HONG KONG.- Christie’s will present a series of spectacular Chinese Paintings at auction this Spring on 26 and 27 May. Highlighted by exceptional masterpieces from the classical to the modern age, Wutong Studio in Autumn by Zhang Zongcang and Chess Playing by Fu Baoshi will lead the sales of Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy and Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Painting. In addition, two spectacular masterpieces from distinguished Asian private collections, Temple at the Mountain Peak by Zhang Daqian and Scenery of Mount Lao by Wu Guanzhong, will be presented in the 20th and 21st Century Art Evening Sale on 24 May.
Kim Yu, International Specialist Head of Chinese Paintings Department, remarks: “In addition to our line-up of masterpieces, we are also excited to continue Christie’s longstanding tradition of bringing the finest private collections to auction, such as The Collection of Zhang Xinjia, a prominent assemblage of rare properties with exceptional provenance. This season, collectors will appreciate the breadth of works on offer, which showcase a stunning range of styles and techniques from historically important artists and scholars across generations.”
Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy presents the opportunity for collectors to acquire paintings that celebrate the art-historical tradition of China, including Seven Poems in Running Script by Wen Zhengming, leading literati widely considered a master of calligraphy. Other notable highlights include Landscapes After Ancient Masters by Wang Hui, Flowers and Rocks by Zhao Zhiqian, and The Imperial Birthday Celebration, a mesmeric handscroll depicting the festivities from Emperor Kangxi’s 60th birthday.
Along with the previously announced highlighted masterpieces, including Landscape Hidden in Mist after Bi Hong by Zhang Daqian featured on the cover, Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Paintings presents North Wudang Mountain, an impressive work by Wu Guanzhong that was inspired by his sketching trips to Shanxi, depicting the towering stone cliff in a semi-abstract style. This work will be offered alongside numerous private and institutional collections, including Madame Luo Ning’s collection of exquisite works from the Lingnan School such as Plantain and Bird by Yang Shanshen; a rare collection of Li Kuchan’s sketches and paintings, as well as a group of Chen Qikuan’s paintings to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. From this group, Vermilion previously belonged to the collection of the esteemed Japanese art collector Mary Griggs Burke (1916-2012) and was bequeathed to the Yale University Art Gallery. The proceeds from the sale will benefit the gallery’s acquisition funds.
The Collection Of Zhang Xinjia, an unparalleled private collection of works from Zhang Daqian’s niece, the youngest daughter of Zhang Shanzi, presents the largest collection of Zhang Daqian’s private writing and manuscript to ever appear in the market. The artworks are invaluable additions to the scholarship and connoisseurship of the artist, and were personal gifts from Zhang Daqian and Zhang Shanzi to their beloved niece and daughter, as gestures of affection, together or apart.
Featuring paintings and calligraphy by various artists from the 20th century to the present day, Buddhism in Art: An Ensemble of Buddhist Painting and Calligraphy from 20th Century China offers a glimpse of how Buddhism, since its arrival in China over two millennia ago, inspired artistic pursuits. Represented artists in this section include 20th-century artists such as Qi Gong, Zhao Puchu, Feng Zikai, Hong Yi, and contemporary artists Sun Hao and Pan Wenxun.
