10 most expensive Chinese works of art sold at auction

China is now the world leader for art auction revenue from public sales ahead of the United States and the UK. Nowadays the pulse of the market is measured in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Here are the ten most expensive works to go under the hammer in China.

1. Qianlong dynasty porcelain vase 清乾隆粉彩镂空“吉庆有余”转心瓶

This Chinese 18th century Qianlong dynasty porcelain vase, sold for US$85,921,461 at Bainbridges auction house in London, 12 November 2010

2. Dizhuming 《砥柱铭》

Dizhuming, a Chinese calligraphy masterpiece composed by Huang Tingjian from the Song Dynasty set a new high bid. The final price was US$70m at Poly Auction in Beijing.

3. Mount Wansui Painting Manuscript  《万岁山图稿本》

The painting was composed by Fang Danian and Emperor Wenzong. This scroll painting sold for US$54m at Beijing Jiuge International Auction.

4. Ping An Tie 《平安帖》

Wang Xizhi’s ecursive-hand scroll Ping’an Tie (Peace Note) was auctioned out at US$50m at China Guardian Auction. Wang Xizhi lived about 1600 years ago, he is acknowledged as the founder of the art of calligraphy in China.

5. Qianlong “Wanshou Lianyan” long-neck gourd-shaped vase 清乾隆“万寿连延”长颈葫芦瓶

This Qianlong long-neck gourd-shaped vase was sold for US$35m at Sotheby’s Auction in Hong Kong

6.  Baren Jishui 《巴人汲水图》

Xu Beihong’s Baren Jishui (The Sichuan People Draw Water) sold for US$28.4m at Beijing Hanhai Auction.

7. Suihan Sanyou  《岁寒三友》

Bada Shanren`s Suhan Sanyou or Three Friends of Winter sold for US$27m at Beijing Jiuge International Auction.

8. Autumn in Han Palace 《汉宫秋图》

This painting is composed by an unknown artist Song Dynasty sold for US$27m at Beijing Poly Auction

9. Songchuang Gaoshi 《松窗高士》

Shen Zhou`s superb landscape measuring 3.36 metres high by 1 metre wide that sold for $20.4m at Beijing Jiuge Art Auction.

10. Songshi Jianyi Lyre 宋徽宗御制 “松石间意” 琴

This lyre was made by the order of emperor Huizong sold for US$22m at Beijing Poly Auction.