Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Shanghai experienced rapid changes and growth during the 19th century as a port open to the West. Many artists came to Shanghai to seek opportunity and relative safety from political and cultural upheaval. Their work contained less traditional literati symbolism and emphasized the visual content of the painting itself. These paintings were well received by the emerging middle class around Shanghai. Zhu Cheng was one of these artists who were loosely termed the Shanghai School. The lively brushwork and vibrant colours as demonstrated in this painting are major characteristics of the distinctive Shanghai style. Zhu also followed Hua Yan's (1682-1756) techniques and methods of depicting the movements of birds. The inscription reads 'For the esteemed Mr. Kechen to appreciate and critcize.'