When Gianguan Auctions holds its Asia Week sale on Sunday, March 22nd, it will open the day with an archetypal collection of Chinese scroll paintings.

Perhaps the most media-watched work to come to the podium is a contemporary scroll painting by H. H. Dorje Chang III. Entitled Ink Lotus, it is an explosion of ink and bold color, tempered with subtleties. An inscribed poem translates, ”An utter chaos strewn with broken strokes: a peculiar sight, yet wondrously endowed with a soul-soothing charm”. With 2 artist seals, the painting has a pre-sale catalog estimate upwards of $10M.

Five Dynasties' Ju Ran Landscape Scene, with 9 Emperors' seals and 14 collectors' seals, 2 colophons by Jia Sidao an Mi Youren, is expected to command $8M or more.

Meanwhile, several of the historic paintings are “Estimate by Request". They include Song Dynasty painter Sun Zhiwei’s vibrant figurative visualization of a Taiji (Taichi) Lecture, and a dark, evocative work titled Illusive Dragon by Southern Song Dynasty artist Chen Rong (aka Suo Weng). Ming Dynasty Emperor Xuande is the genius behind the 1402 nearly surealistic self-portrait In Harmony. 

The retelling of China's history and mythology hits a high point in He Cheng’s portrayal of the battle-ready folkloric hero General Zhao Yun atop a galloping steed. With 10 Emperors' seals and six collectors seals, the Yuan Dynasty treasure is expected to bring $300,000-$400,000. 

Modernist buyers of mid-to-upper tier paintings will find Xu Beihong’s 1935 work Noble Steed a value at $150,000—$200,000. Wu Guanzongh’s sinuous, hard-edged abstraction Pine in the Wind, daubed with bold color, is estimated at $80,000—$150,000. Qi Baishi’s Longevity Peaches, a study in brilliant orange with deep green, is well-priced at $80,000—$100,000.

The range of ink in the sale begins with the prolific Qianlong Emperor's Script Poem on gold-flecked paper. Dated 1793, the work is valued at $60,000-$90,000. The collection of calligraphy then spans the ages to culminate in the offering of works by 20th century masters. Among these is Calligraphy in Couplet by Hu Shi (1891-1962) that takes a more lyrical approach to script. It is estimated to go off at $5,000-$8,000.

Within the reach of mid-level collectors are Xu Beihong’s 1944 work, Two Cats. Its catalog estimate is $60,000—$80,000. Huang Yongyu’s 1983 work Owl, a triumph of caricature and humor, carries a pre-sale estimate of $20,000—$30,000.

For details on all lots highlighted here, the exceptional range of Chinese scroll paintings, Chinese porcelains, teapots and snuff bottles, in the March 22nd auction, please visit the Gianguan Auction online catalog, www.gianguanaucions.com.