Wu Dacheng

Wu Dacheng (nickname Kezhai), a native of Suzhou, he passed the jinshi degree at the civil service examination in 1868 and entered the Qing bureaucracy. Wu served as governor of Guangdong and Hunan provinces, is best known for his studies of classics and collecting ancient art. His association with Shanghai and the Shanghai school began in 1862 when he became one of the twenty four members of the Duckweed Society for Calligraphy and Painting. Wu had a passion for archaeology and amassed large collections of ancient bronzes and jades and published extensively on a variety of subjects. His catalogue on jades is still widely read. In addition to his collecting and scholarly pursuits, Wu developed an interest and talent in calligraphy, painting and carving.