Shanghai Pioneer Zhang Xiong, Drawing Its Heritage And The Impact

Scholars have paid significant attention to the Shanghai School of Painting spans from the late Qing dynasty to the forepart of Republic of China. Majority studies focuses on only a few famous artists, e.g. Renbonian,Wuchangshuo, seldom involves in individual cases of other famous artists. Even Zhangxiong, one of the initiator of Shanghai School of Painting, research findings about him are both limited and inconclusive. This article is, therefore, devoted to complement the art and life of Zhangxiong in different aspects.There are four parts of this thesis. In the first part, based on poetry anthology of Zhangxiong'HENG CHA LOU SHI CHAO(manuscript)'and other materials, the life, thought and art of Zhangxiong before he had lived in Shanghai is illustrated. The second part concerns the time Zhangxiong started to live in Shanghai and tracks the stylistic changes of his painting. From textual research, Yuanhu School of Painting led by Zhangxiong, its formation, membership, artistic orientation and the position in flowers and birds painting in Shanghai School of Painting is discussed in the third part. Moreover, art impart and art spread is also considered in part three. In the fourth part, based on materials and findings in Japan, the reason why Zhangxiong had been concerned by Japanese professionals and collectors is discussed. Furthermore, the impact on Japan in Zhangxiong's later years also included in this chapter.