Ink Plum Blossom《墨梅图轴》

Wu Jingyu (1883–?)
Wu Jingyu, also named Ji and Youzhang, pseudonym Man’an, courtesy name Jingyu, was from Wujin (present-day Changzhou), Jiangsu. He was skilled in poetry, classical prose, and calligraphy, studying the styles of Mi Fu and Huang Tingjian, achieving a blend of strength and elegance. He also excelled in painting plum blossoms and bamboo, capturing a sense of sparseness and spirit.

“Ink Plum Blossom” (1943)
This ink plum blossom painting by Wu Jingyu follows the style of Jin Nong, featuring robust branches and abundant blossoms. The use of light ink, complemented by dark ink dots, brings the originally plain composition to life, making it visually engaging. The inscription reads: “The pale color does not compete for beauty; a noble heart does not seek pity. The pure essence of heaven and earth, fragrant before spring arrives. Painted by Jingyu in Shanghai in the winter of the Guiwei year.” The seals read “Man’an” and “Lazy Cloud Hermit.”

吴镜予（1883—？），名季，又名有章，号曼庵，字镜予，以字行，江苏武进（今常州）人。善诗古文词，书法学米芾、黄庭坚，劲秀拙茂。又工画梅竹，疏落有神韵。

此件墨梅图乃是吴氏宗法金农而来，枝干粗壮，梅花繁茂，以淡墨为主，浓墨点苔，使得原本较为平淡的画面顿时生气十足，十分耐看。款署：“澹色岂争妍，高心不受怜。乾坤清淑气，香入未春前。癸未冬，镜予写于海上并题。”款下钤朱文“曼庵”印。画右下角钤朱文“懒云庵主”印。