Reviews: Auction

Power to oil

Rongbaozhai, one of the oldest art dealers in China, is known for its expertise in Chinese paintings and calligraphy since it was established more than 300 years ago. Its huge and mysterious collection of traditional artworks is known as the Small Forbidden City among Chinese collectors.

Times change, and China's young generation is going more for oil paintings and other forms of Western art. Rongbaozhai is also betting on vanguard artists such as Zhou Chunya and He Duoling. At its upcoming sale, more than three-fourths of the nearly 160 artworks to go under the hammer are oil paintings and sculptures sought after by both domestic and international collectors.

The most important piece is a large-sized oil painting by contemporary artist Leng Jun, titled Museum Series, No 2 (pictured). The artist presents in a strikingly realistic way a most common scene in a museum, and probes the boring truth behind elite lifestyles.

The auction will be held on April 1 at the Asia Hotel, with a preview at the same venue on March 30 and 31.

Wang Shanshan

(China Daily 03/29/2007 page20)