2011-05-23 09:49:03
CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Jiang
An art work by late Chinese artist Qi Baishi which portrays a falcon on a pine branch and comes with a couplet which reads "A Long Life, A Peaceful World." [Photo: jinghua.cn]
An ink-wash painting by famed Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) was sold for 425.5 million yuan during the Guardian Spring Auction at the Beijing International Hotel Convention Center on Sunday night, the China News Service reports.
The auction started with a price of 88 million yuan and was sealed with the record price for modern and contemporary Chinese art work after more than half an hour's fierce bidding.
The work is considered to be one of the largest by the late artist; the painting measures 100 centimeters by 266 centimeters while the calligraphy couplet in seal style each measures 65.8 centimeters by 264.5 centimeters.
The work was finished when the artist was in his 80s. It portrays a falcon on a pine branch and the couplet reads "A Long Life, A Peaceful World."
Another work by the artist was auctioned for 92 million yuan at the occasion which features classical painting and calligraphy, porcelain, oil painting and sculpture, ancient books and other items.
