Self-inscription reads:  (Like) the forthrightness of Tung Hsuan and the continence of Yen Yen who do not yield to force, with a stiff neck the bamboo weathers wind and snow.
Signature: Mei-hua tao-jen playfully demonstrates the method for painting snow bamboo.
2 seals: Mei-hua-an, Chia-hsing Wu Chung-kui shu-hua chi.

Wu Chen (1280 - 1354) was a native of Wei-tang of Chia-hsing in Che-chiang Province.  His tzu was Chung-kui, his hao was Mei-hua tao-jen; he often signed himself as Mei tao-jen, or Mei Sha-mi.  He inscribed his own tomb stone saying "This is the (Buddhist) tomb of Mei-hua ho-shang (Monk of the Plum Blossom.)  He worked at letters and calligraphy.  In the cursive script he took after (the Tang monk) Kung-kuang, in landscape painting he followed the (Five dynasties Master) Chu-jan, in ink bamboo he followed the Hu-chou School (of Wen Tung), attaining the marvellous state in all.  He also painted ink flowers, and was known to sketch from life.  Commentators have remarked that while Wen Tung concealed his painting with bamboo, Wu Chen concealed real bamboo with his painting.  His character was lofty, solitary, pure and full of integrity.  The powerful could not obtain his works.  However, when good paper and brush were placed before him, he would go to his desk when inspired and paint as he pleased, - and then people could get his works.  For this reason Wu Chen's works on silk are extremely rare.  The eminent Ming scholar Kao Sun-chih assessed as follows: "His painting has the flavour of an old general used to victories (literally 'capturing the enemy's penants) of a distinguished, heroic vigour, against whom here is no defence."

Tradition has it that Wu Chen used to live across the street from the popular painter Sheng Mou to whose door admirers came bearing gold and brocade seeking his work.  And yet Wu Chen's door remained unvisited.  His wife used to laugh at him but he said, "In twenty years it won't be like this anymore."  And his words were born out.  He was born during the reign of the Yuan emperor Shih-tsu and died during the reign of Emperor Shun-ti in the Chia-wu year, the 14th year of the Chih-cheng era in his 75th year.