A four panel painting by China's Gao Jianfu (1879-1951) entitled “ Perisimmon Time” is set to go off at Gianguan Auctions June 9th sale. The work by the prolific painter who was one of the leading artists of the Lingam School combines Wetern techniques with those of traditional ink paintings.  

More than a rendering of the time honored fruit that implies “all is good,” the artist, whose popularity was at a peak in the 1930s-40s, used a dry upright pen to create weathered branches and added brightly colored inks to make the fruit pop. "Persimmon Time" is similar to a paiinting in the National Museum of China. It is Lot 111 with a pre-sale estimate of more than $40,000. 

The work is in good company. Other highlights of the sale inclue Zhang Daqain's "Dunhuang Apsara." The 1950 rendering of the goddess has a modernist cast. Its bold strokes support an ethereal being. Signed and inscribed Zhang Daqain, the painting bears four artist seals and the seal of artist/collector Xie Zhiliu. It is Lot 145, set to open at $40,000.

The ever popular Li Keran is represented by, among other paintings,  “Herder”. The  simple but dynamic composition could well be called "will over strength” as a young boy is shown trying to leash along a massive animal. The ink and color on paper has two artists seals and one collector’s seal. It is Lot 85, anchoring at $10,000.

The paintings collection at the Gianguan sale is extensive. For complete details and full color photos, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com. 

Live previews are going on now through Friday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. Bidding can be done live during the auction that will held at Gianguan Auctions, 39 West 56th Street, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. Online bidding on the internet is available at epailive.com, liveauctioneers.com, invaluable.com. For condition reports, please contact the gallery at info@gianguanaucitons.com or 212-867-7288