Chen Zhichu (1909-1972) was born in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Chen has always been involved with art and design. Before 1949, he was picture editor at the Shanghai New China Book Office. In 1950, he set up the Tongli Publishing House (通力出版社) and when his company was nationalized in 1955, it merged with the Shanghai New Fine Arts Publishing House (上海新美术出版社). This publisher later became the Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House (上海人民美术出版社). Chen was engaged in design till his retirement in 1967.

Chen is mainly known for his book cover designs, but at the same time, his cartoon strips and New Year prints were much appreciated.