Of all the works of art categories, Chinese paintings and Calligraphy are most representative of the Chinese national traits and the cultural spirit of oriental societies. From an aesthetic perspective, the Chinese people have a natural sense of intimacy with Chinese paintings and Calligraphy. Furthermore, they have a natural advantage in the appreciation of this form of art. The market trend has best illustrated this point in that the global trade center of Chinese paintings and Calligraphy has gradually moved to Beijing over the last decade. The sales prices of the masterpieces of notable figures in all historical periods, time and again set new price highs in our auction rooms. The general collector group is gradually expanding and growing mature and the collectors' taste being continuously promoted.

  Modern Chinese paintings and Calligraphy is one of the most competitive business sectors of China Guardian, which has helped to create many transaction records for notable artists in modern China. In response to market demand, China Guardian has set on stage special “Ancient Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy” auctions since 1998. Sincere efforts have been made in collecting the masterworks that have come down orderly prior to the Qing Dynasty. In 2005, the contemporary Chinese paintings and Calligraphy category was added to its business. In the selection of contemporary art works, China Guardian pays attention to emotional, stylistic and aesthetic aspects; while considering comments from professional art critics and buyers.

  The Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Department is committed to serving collectors from around the world and has held special auctions or auction series for well-known collectors from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the United States. Yang Yongde's Collection of Qi Baishi's Paintings, auctioned in the spring auction of 1995, Autumn House Collections, auctioned in the spring auction of 2000, Wu Gui Mountain House Collections, auctioned in the spring auction of 2001, Masterworks of Fu Baoshi and Zhang's Collection of Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy, auctioned in the autumn auctions of year 2000 and year 2001, A Collection of Treasures—Collection of the Paintings of Zhang Daqian, Huang Binhong and Qi Baishi, auctioned in the autumn auction of 2003, Wistaria House Collections, auctioned in the autumn auction of 2004, as well as auctions of the Great Stone House Collections, Fragrant Snow House Collections of Chen Zhichu from Singapore, the Xuanhui Hall and the US Jade Ware House Collections, have all been successfully auctioned and allowed China Guardian to gain the trust of collectors locally and from abroad.

  The auction records achieved over the past years are illustrative of the leading role the Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Department of China Guardian has played in this field of auction around the world. Relying on standard market operations, professional valuation knowledge and a deep understanding of market trends, the Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Department of China Guardian has always placed itself on the market front. As a leader of the high-end market, China Guardian has contributed greatly to the growth of the cultural relics and art works market in China.

Auction records of the department:

  A leaf from Qi Baishi's Album of Landscape Paintings was sold at RMB 5.17 million yuan in 1994, a world auction record for a single work of Qi Baishi.
  The Beauties, a painting of Fu Baoshi, was sold at RMB 10.78 million yuan in 1996, a world record of modern Chinese paintings and Calligraphy at auctions.
  A good number of cultural relics rated as national treasures appeared one after another in our auction room. These include the Calligraphy Eating Fish by Huaisu of the Tang Dynasty, On a Healthy Life by Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty and Spring Rain by Zhuxi of the Song Dynasty.
  Rare Birds painted from life by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty was sold at 25.30 million yuan, a record-breaking auction price of Chinese paintings and Calligraphy.
  Landscape Album in Imitation of Ancient Masters by Wang Jian, was sold at RMB 12.65 million yuan, a record price for the works by Wang Jian.
Bamboo by Zheng Banqiao was sold at RMB 5.39 million yuan, a record auction price for the Calligraphy and paintings by Zheng Banqiao.
  Fish by Ba Da Shan Ren, was sold at RMB 4.84 million yuan, the highest of his works of similar size.