A major collection of paintings and calligraphy by old masters and contemporary artists will be auctioned in Beijing on December 16. The works have been carefully selected by the Beijing Tranthy Auction Company for their high artistic value.

The artists include masters of traditional Chinese painting such as Bada Shanren (pseudonym of Zhu Da, a famous painter of the Ming Dynasty), Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Fu Baoshi, Lin Fengmian, Pan Tianshou and Li Kuchan. The auction includes some of their finest works that exemplify their artistic styles and historic backgrounds. One notable piece is Bada Shanren's "An Imitation of Dong Yuan and Ju Ran's Landscape Painting" which displays both his mastery of the techniques of earlier landscape painters and his unique talent for expressing emotion.

Xu Beihong's "An Old Man Pushing a Barrow" painted in 1941, is unique among the painter's works. It combines a western-style depiction of the human body with the simple lines of traditional Chinese painting to create a surprising and striking effect. Visiting China shortly after 1949, a group of Russian artists declared that though they didn't understand the Chinese inscription, it perfectly expressed the painter's sympathy for the weather-beaten laborer.

The auction will also include eight themed collections including "Chinese Painting in the Early Years of the Republic of China," "Masters' Fan Painting," "Works of Great Calligraphers" and "Red Classic." The organizers believe collectors of all tastes will find something of interest to them.

Talking about the prospects for the auction, He Xinnian, Tranthy's general manager, said: "Collectors are increasingly looking for top-quality work and traditional Chinese painting is really hot this year. I believe the auction will be a great success."

Time: 13:30, December 16, 2009

Venue: Westin Hotel, 7 North Dongsanhuan Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing

Tel: 010-6559 9478/6559 9478