Wu Changshuo (Chinese, 1844-1927)Peony, Bottle Gourds, and Loquats, Dingzi, 1917Four works, ink and color on paper53-1/4 x 12-3/4 inches (135.3 x 32.4 cm) (work, each) 60-3/8 x 16-1/8 inches (153.1 x 41.0 cm) (frame, each)Each signed and dated, with two or three seals of the artistTHE CHENN FAMILY COLLECTION OF CHINESE PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHYPROVENANCE: Chen Guoxiang (1879-1919), gifted by the artist; Chen Guan (1895-1990) and Zheng Ying (1898-1990), by descent from the above; Chenn Family, by descent from the above. TRANSLATION: Sweet fruits from Duanyang are ripe in thewarm breeze,Its color as shining as gold.I displayed the painting with the pomegranateblossom,and the naughty kid was drooling.(Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong) Leaningon the baluster of the Chenxiang Pavilion.The peony blooms in the way like pagodas andpavilions arise from plates made of ruby.(I) painted the peony in the second month ofthe year of Dingzi to learn from earlier artistswithout subservience.Bottle gourd or bottle gourd!Are you doing your job?I should cut you in half,And fill you with wine in my tiny room.The wave surrounds my dwelling.The boat leaving to visit a friend drifts alone.I read aloud in a lonely night,With the air chilled my bones.The beauty named Hong Xiao walked in andadded scent in the censer.Painted in yushui, the year ofDingzi when the fresh rain dropped and myorchid bloomed.