Collaborative Painting of Three Friends《合绘三友图轴》

Wu Daiqiu (1878–1949), Fan Shaoyun (1885–1962), Zhang Xuan (1898–1959)
Wu Daiqiu, named Zheng, courtesy name Daiqiu, and pseudonyms Baoxuan Jushi and Shulin Zhongzi, was from Chongde, Zhejiang. Son of the famous painter Wu Botao, he inherited the family tradition in painting and later studied under Wu Changshuo, excelling in landscapes and flowers, and birds. Together with Wu Hufan, Wu Zishen, and Feng Chaoran, they were known as the “Three Wus and One Feng.”

Fan Shaoyun, named Haolin, courtesy name Shaoyun, was from Chongming, Shanghai. He specialized in landscape painting, diligently studying ancient and modern masterpieces, mastering both form and spirit. He later studied under the famous painter Lu Hui, further advancing his skills. Fan was also accomplished in playing the pipa and made significant contributions to traditional Chinese music. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he served as a painter at the Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy and a member of the Shanghai branch of the Chinese Artists Association.

Zhang Xuan, courtesy name Kehe, pseudonym Mashi Weng, and alternative pseudonym Shiyuan Jushi, was from Wujin (present-day Changzhou), Jiangsu. A renowned painter and connoisseur in Shanghai, he excelled in landscape painting, with a deep foundation in traditional techniques, closely imitating the style of Wang Shigu. His brushwork was both vigorous and elegant, adept in both ink and color.

“Collaborative Painting of Three Friends” (1944)
This collaborative painting features the works of modern masters. On the right, Wu Hufan inscribed the title and signed: “Three Friends Painting, inscribed by Wu Hufan on a winter day of the Jia Shen year.” The seals read “Wu Hufan.” In the painting, Fan Shaoyun depicted the pine tree, ancient and rugged; Zhang Xuan painted the slender bamboo, elegant in posture; and Wu Daiqiu painted the red plum, exuding a cold fragrance. Although created separately, the composition is harmonious, exuding a strong literati atmosphere.

吴待秋（1878—1949），名徵，字待秋，以字行，别号抱鋗居士、疏林仲子等，浙江崇德人。名画吴伯滔之子，绘画承家学，后师从吴昌硕，长于山水、花鸟，与吴湖帆、吴子深、冯超然齐名，合称“三吴一冯”。

樊少云（1885—1962），名浩霖，字少云，上海崇明人。专攻山水画，潜心钻研古今名作，不仅临摹娴熟，而且深得神韵。后投书画名家陆恢门下，画艺更进一步。善弹琵琶，在民族音乐方面有很深造诣。建国后任上海中国画院画师，中国美术家协会上海分会会员。

张玄（1898—1959），字克和，号麻石翁，别署石园居士，江苏武进（今常州）人。海上著名的书画家、鉴赏家。擅画山水，传统功力深厚，临仿王石谷几能乱真。他笔墨雄秀，无论水墨、青绿、浅绛均得心应手。

此轴为近现代名家合作花卉，画右方有吴湖帆题名署款：“三友图，甲申冬日吴湖帆题。”钤“吴湖帆”印。图中樊少云绘松树，沧桑虬劲；张玄绘修竹，姿态秀逸；吴待秋绘红梅，冷香四溢，虽未合绘但并无违和感，整幅画透出浓郁的文人气息。