CHRISTIE'S HONG KONG CHINESE PAINTINGS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS
Carefully Curated from Prestigious Private Collections Worldwide
Live Auctions
Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Paintings | 31 May
Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy | 1 June
Exhibition
The Foh Collection | 25 – 30 May
Online Auction
Exquisite Eye: Chinese Paintings Online｜19 May – 2 June
HONG KONG – Christie’s Hong Kong is pleased to present a spectacular array of Chinese paintings spanning centuries with exceptional provenance, featuring works by iconic masters which have been thoughtfully amassed by some of the most respected private collectors worldwide.
On 31 May, the sale of Fine Chinese Modern and Contemporary Ink Paintings will showcase around 240 masterful artworks encompassing diverse subjects and artistic styles. Fresh to the market is Ancient Temple in Misty Mountain by Zhang Daqian (shown above right, estimate: HK$15,000,000 – 25,000,000 / US$1,900,000 – 3,200,000) from the Wang Shih-Chieh Family collection. Wang Shih-Chieh (1891 – 1981) was a well-known collector of modern Chinese paintings and calligraphy. He previously owned The Cold Food Observance by Su Shi, which is now in the permanent collection of the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Zhang Daqian’s two pairs of paintings and calligraphy inspired by Su Shi’s Ode to Red Cliff come from the collection of textiles magnate Y. C. Wang, who acquired the two pairs at the artist’s exhibition in Hong Kong in 1974. Other highlights include Wu Guanzhong’s Woods and a Spring, Lin Fengmian’s Opera Figures, acquired directly from the artist by former British diplomat John Molloy during his time in Shanghai in 1962, Ding Yanyong’s White Folded Collared Woman from the collection of his student Chen Sen’s Family, a collection of Pu Ru’s paintings from the artist’s old acquaintance in Taiwan, as well as works by Li Keran, Huang Zhou, Li Kuchan from an important family of Chinese intellectuals.
On 1 June, the auction of Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy assembles an extraordinary collection of over 110 paintings and calligraphy pieces from prominent private collections worldwide. This exceptional selection, which spans centuries of Chinese history, reflects the richness and diversity of the nation's artistic heritage across various periods and subjects. This sale is led by Qiu Ying's masterpiece Celestial Mountains and Pavilions (shown above left, estimate: HK$28,000,000 – 40,000,000 / US$3,600,000 – 5,100,000). Painted in 1550, it was first catalogued in the Dafeng Tang Calligraphy and Painting and previously in the collection of Zhang Daqian and his brother Zhang Shanzi. The scroll is marked with seals of Zhang Daqian and various collectors showcasing an enthusiastic display of appreciation. Among the highlights are two important collections from the United States include Flowers and Calligraphy by Chen Chun, one of the most influential calligraphers and flower painters of the Ming dynasty, from the collection of a world-renowned art historian Professor Wen Fong (1930-2018), as well as Landscape in the Style of Jiang Shen by Wang Hui, from the collection of Anna Fang - Madame Wong Nan Ping, the wife of a famous 21st century connoisseur and collector Wong Nan Ping. Most of her collections have been exhibited and published. Moreover, an impressive array of works by Emperors and Ministers, including notable pieces such as Dong Qichang's Bai Juyi’s Song of Long Regretfulness in Running Script will certainly draw attention from passionate enthusiasts of imperial artworks.
In addition, Exquisite Eye: Chinese Paintings Online Auction, will be held from 19 May to 2 June, gathers prominent private collections from all around the world, including those of the Wang Chi Po Family from the United States, the Ren Zhen Han Family and Madame Luo Ning (Huali) from Hong Kong, the Dr Lawrence Wong Men Koy Family from Singapore, and the Indian artist Beohar Rammanohar Sinha. This auction presents 100 artworks from diverse subjects and artistic styles, including Zhang Daqian, Xu Beihong, Lin Fengmain, Huang Yongyu, Zhao Shao'ang, Yang Shanshen, Koo Mei, and He Huaishuo.
Kim Yu, Chairman of Chinese Paintings Department, remarked: “This spring, we take immense pleasure in perpetuating our long tradition of presenting the most distinguished private collections of classical and modern masterpieces with exceptional provenance. Our selection encompasses seminal creations by highly sought-after icons that represent the pinnacle of Chinese paintings across the ages. The works on offer are poised to refine the discernment of Chinese painting enthusiasts and captivate collectors across generations. We eagerly anticipate empowering global collectors to enhance their collections through our meticulously curated sales on 31 May and 1 June in Hong Kong.”
