While the Shiqu paintings offered in evening sale on Fujita Museum Collection have received worldwide attention, Christie's sale "Fine Chinese Paintings" still attracts many buyers. The top lot "Landscape-A Gift to Ban Yun" by Ni Zun is realized at US$667,500, a double of its high estimate. Though with the highest estimation before auction, Qi Baishi's "Portrait of Li Tieguai" is only the second expensive lot of the sale now.

"Boating among Hills" by Zhang Daqian has been a surprise as well. It is sold at almost 4 times of its estimate. The painting portrays harmonious scenery of two people boating in greenery and bears the marks of "Daiqian" and "Zhang Yuan Zhiyin". In the inscription, the poem writes, "the dream of romance, yet in vain, now turns to a gentle smile.", that hints an ambiguous relationship between the author and Zhang Yuan.

Top Lots

NI ZAN (1301-1374)
Landscape - A Gift to Ban Yun

Lot No.: 19
Size: 30.9 x 21 cm
Estimate: US$150,000-300,000
Sold: US$667,500

QI BAISHI (1863-1957)
Portrait of Li Tieguai

Lot N.: 79
Size: 87.2 x 44.5 cm
Estimate: US$220,000-340,000
Sold: US$307,500

ZHANG DAQIAN (1899-1983)
Boating Among Hills

Lot No.: 61
Size: 98.1 x 36.2 cm
Estimate: US$70,000-100,000
Sold: US$271,500

Auction Summary

Auction House: Christie's New York
Sale: Fine Chinese Paintings
Sale No.: 14182
Date: 2017/3/15
Total Sales: US$3,335,375
Lots: 124
Sold: 95
Unsold: 29
Average Price per Sold Lot: US$26,898
Selling Rate: 77%

(prices include buyer's premium, unless otherwise stated)