Chinese master Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) didn’t produce the top estimated lot at Christie’s sale of modern Chinese paintings in Hong Kong on November 29. That honor belongs to “Lotus,” a series of eight scrolls by Cui Ruzhuo, estimated at $5.2m-$7.7m. Zhang did, however, create three of the five highest estimated lots at the sale, where his works have a combined estimated value of $6.1m-$10.3m.
Of Zhang’s works at the auction, the one expected to have the highest value ($2.6m-$5.2m) is “Magnificent Mountain Landscape,” a hanging scroll executed in ink and color on paper. Produced in 1967, it’s inscribed with a poem and signed, with five seals of the late artist. “ Another work carrying a high estimate will be Pu Ru’s “Lush Mountain and Tranquil River,” a hand scroll executed in ink and color on paper, and dated 1937. It’s expected to bring $902,000-$1.1m.
