WU ZISHEN (1893-1972)

Wu Zishen, originally named Wu Huayuan, whose sobriquets included Yucun, Zishen, and Taowu Jushi, was from Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Born into a prestigious family that owned a rich collection of Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) paintings and calligraphy in Wuzhong, Wu Zichen studied art in Japan and invested heavily to establish the Suzhou Painting Academy near Canglang Pavilion. He himself had served as the member of the board of trustees and professor.