Happiness, harmony, longevity, prosperity and rebellion are central themes of the Chinese paintings coming to the podium on Saturday, March 19th at Gianguan Auctions. Collectors and museum curators will see a well rounded collection of classical and contemporary paintngs. 

The day's marquee item is Lot 78, "Five Cattle” by Yan Ciping of the Southern Song Dynasty. The period was one of heightened appreciation for art. Fine paintings often inspired others to copy them, as is the case with this painting after Han Huang’s earlier “Five Cattle”. It is expected to command as much as $5,000,000.  

The cultural phenomenon of showing respect via imitation accounts for much of the mystery surrounding Lot 92, “Chess Game abut of Screen” (sic), attributed to Zhou Wenju, a Five Dynasty’s painter. A similar painting in Beijing's Palace Museum is considered a National Treasure although most experts believe it to be a copy made by Song Emperor Zong. New evidence indicates the painting on view at Gianguan Auctions may be the long lost original. No estimate has been set and interested parties are asked to contact the auction gallery.

Rebellion comes to the fore in four highly nuanced paintings created by Bada Shanren, a Qing citizen turned monk. The images are leaves of an album. Each depicts a lone animal with subtley expressed body language that reflects the artist’s disdain for the Qing rulers. All are matted framed. Bidding on each of Lots 85, 86,87 and 88 starts at $250,000. 

Another series of painting, Lot 98, "The Four Seasons" by Li Keran, is also notable. Four detailed landscapes take the viewer into China’s magnificent countryside, emphasizing the features of each change of the year.  Above each scene, calligraphy from the same hand adds to the flavor. The series is valued at $40,000-$60,000

The symbolism the Chinese portray so well live in the collection of paintings of mynah birds, eagles, monkeys, and horses. Values range from $6,000 for Lot 73, Gao Jianfu’s “Eagle and Maple” to $15,000 or more for Lot 111, Zhao Shaoang’s “Birds and Sunflowers.” 

Calligraphy based paintings have their own story to tell. Lot 74, “Script Calligraphy,” by Liu Yong, and Lot 79, “Emperor Daoguang’s Calligraphy,” 1828, signed by the Emperor and bearing two artist seals, anchor the collection at $6,000-$8,000. Lot 91, Dong Qichang’s 17th century “Script Calligraphy,” is representative of the mid-level works. Its estimate tops off at $80,000.

Gianguan Auctions has a record of presenting the finest in traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy. Previews of the paintings and other properties in Gianguan Auctions' March 19th sale begin on Friday, March 11tg and continue through Friday, March 18th. Bidding will be live in the gallery, 39 W. 56th Street, 3rd Floor, and online.

To view the catalog, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com