A Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) landscape is expected to feature prominently at an upcoming art auction in Beijing.
The June 16-18 sale will contain 5,000 lots of Chinese paintings, porcelain and furniture, with Modern pieces on the 16th the anticipated stars.
 Daqian was last year’s top selling artist |
The Daqian has a high estimate of $189,900, a comparatively modest figure for the artist, which may tempt those looking to capitalise on the popularity of the painter.
Daqian's Lotus and Mandarin Ducks sold for $24.6m at Sotheby's in 2011, setting a new record for the artist.
He was the world's top selling artist last year, accruing $506.7m in sales. His compatriot Qi Baishi was second, achieving $445.1m.
Qi Baishi will also feature at the auction, with his Camellia estimated to make $102,870.
Landscapes by Yu Feiyan, Li Keran and Soong May-ling will also be on offer, in addition to a collection of eight Tian Liming pieces.
China's share of global art sales rose to 30% in 2011, up from 23% in 2010, a European Fine Art Foundation report found. It overtook the US as the world's largest art market in the process.
The Chinese art and antiques sector grew by 64% in 2011, the report states.
"The increase in the number of Chinese billionaires (and millionaires) has led to an increase in demand for fine art. I've witnessed this myself at art auctions," Carol Marie Boyer, associate professor of finance at Long Island University, recently told US News.
We will bring you full results from the auction next week. In the meantime, make sure you don't miss any of the art auction action, by signing up to our newsletter.
