Wang Zengqi (1920-1997) came from the well-to-do family of a physician and herbalist in Gaoyou, northern Jiangsu province. He grew up in the culturally rich family home, where he was initiated into calligraphy by his grandfather and painting in the studio of his multitalented father. Though self-taught, Wang was an excellent hobbyist painter of the literati free style, often giving to friends and admirers paintings and calligraphies in the later part of his life.

At the wartime National Southwestern Associated University (known as Lianda), Wang studied literature under Shen Congwen (1902-1988), one of the leading modernist ‘native soil’ writers. He was often recognised to be Shen’s best student, mastering a writing form that traverses between the classical and vernacular styles. In addition to short stories, Wang’s main work was editing a series of magazines of literature and traditional opera. His career came to a halt when he was labelled a ‘rightist’ in 1957 and sent to the northern countryside for re-education through hard labour.

• Tags: China, Issue 25, Lee Chor Lin, Wang Zengqi