Script sells for US$46m
Source: Xinhua |
November 22, 2010, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
A RARE hand scroll script of ancient Chinese calligrapher Wang Xizhi's work sold for a staggering 308 million yuan (US$46.4 million) at the autumn auction of Beijing-based China Guardian on Saturday.
In the Chinese mainland art market, the price was second only to calligrapher Huang Tingjian's hand scroll "Pillar Ming," purchased for 436.8 million yuan in 2009.
Wang, from the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD), is traditionally acclaimed as the Sage of Calligraphy. However, none of his original works exist, making this cursive script, named "Safety Wish Script," especially rare for its high quality copy and the clear history of the succession of its collectors, which date back to the Yuan Dynasty (1217-1368).
According to the auction company's Vice President Hu Yanyan, the copy of the original script had nine lines and was later divided into two parts. The item at Saturday's auction was the first half, with four lines and 41 characters.
The Chinese fine art market has seen strong growth in recent years. According to a report released early this year by artprice.com, China reported an annual revenue of US$830 million, accounting for 17.4 percent of the global market, up from 7.7 percent in 2008.
China Guardian's autumn auction runs until tomorrow and includes categories such as Chinese painting and calligraphy, porcelain, jewels, stamps, coins and sculptures, among others.
In the Chinese mainland art market, the price was second only to calligrapher Huang Tingjian's hand scroll "Pillar Ming," purchased for 436.8 million yuan in 2009.
Wang, from the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD), is traditionally acclaimed as the Sage of Calligraphy. However, none of his original works exist, making this cursive script, named "Safety Wish Script," especially rare for its high quality copy and the clear history of the succession of its collectors, which date back to the Yuan Dynasty (1217-1368).
According to the auction company's Vice President Hu Yanyan, the copy of the original script had nine lines and was later divided into two parts. The item at Saturday's auction was the first half, with four lines and 41 characters.
The Chinese fine art market has seen strong growth in recent years. According to a report released early this year by artprice.com, China reported an annual revenue of US$830 million, accounting for 17.4 percent of the global market, up from 7.7 percent in 2008.
China Guardian's autumn auction runs until tomorrow and includes categories such as Chinese painting and calligraphy, porcelain, jewels, stamps, coins and sculptures, among others.
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