The Chinese Paintings portion of Gianguan Auctions' June 25th sale features Ming landscapes, 20th century abstractions and modern portraits by artists with strong auction records.

Among the highlights is Lot 104, “Solitary Trail,” an allegory for the human journey powerfully  delivered in delicate brush strokes. A rangy tree, tall and with slender limbs unadorned by leaves, is set off from a forest of similar trees. There is merely the hint of a mountain in the background, created by a sparse strokes that leave much to the imagination. By the Ming Dynasty painter Shen Zhou, the ink-on-paper is inscribed and signed. It has two artist seals, nine collectors seals, a frontispiece by Tang Yefin, and colophon by Yao Yuanzhi. Its estimate, $100,000-$150,000.

"Herd in Wind Reed," by Wu Guanzhong. Positioned at Lot 77, the vibrant take on wildly rushing wind is achieved through bold splashes of color that nearly obliterate the migrating animals that are also but curved splashes of black. The result is both effective and evocative. The ink-and-color on paper is estimated at $60,000-$80,000.

In contrast, Qi Gong gives collectors “Lotus in Summer,”  a dynamically balanced painting that focuses the viewer’s eye on a dark floral base before drawing it upward to a red bud that is but a tease before the pay-off of fully blossomed lotus of deepest hue. Dated 1992, the work is inscribed and signed Qi Gong and bears two artist seals. It is Lot 25, $10,000-$20,000.

Li Keran, who often approaches his subjects with whimsy, provides a well rendered classic landscape for a simple water buffalo herder to contemplate in “Admiring Mountain View,” Lot 48, dated 1984. Bidding on the signed ink-and-color on paper with one artist seal begins at $120,000. In a remarkable display of technique and perspective Li Keran's “Springtime in the South” evokes the wonder of sailing vessels by a seaside town caught the wind shadow of a majestic mountain. The catalog estimate is $30,000-$50,000. 

From the hand of Zhang Daqian, the prolific twentieth century master, comes Lot 147 “Maiden”, a full length portrait in blue, white and red. Bidding begins at $40,000. Lot 256, a 1953 abstraction in tones of orange and green entitled “Golden Landscape”, makes the master’s work accessible at $6,000-$8,000.

In the eye of Qi Baishi, less is more as evidenced by Lot 76 “Playful Fish,” a clever study in movement, aptly catalogued at $10,000-$20,000. Meanwhile, Lin Fengman’s “Birds and Flowers”, Lot 81, depicting two mynah amidst branches and bright green leaves is a delight. Signed with one artist seal is $15,000-$20,000.

For a comprehensive look at all the Chinese scroll paintings in Gianguan Auctions' June 25th sale, please visit www.gianguanauction.com and download the catalog. The auction also includes a strong collection of Chinese jades and Chinese porcelains. 

Previews begin on Friday, June 17 and extend through Friday, June 24. The auction on Saturday, June 25 begins at 10:00 a.m. It will be conducted live at Gianguan Auctions, 39 W. 56th Street, NYC and on the internet. For condition reports, please contact the Gallery Director at 212-867-7288 or email info@gianguanauctions.com.

 that intreprets