Changhua bloodstones are considered precious stones in China. Special varieties exist and they are known as "China's National Treasure'. Chairman Mao once used and treasured two seals composed of bloodstones. Former premier Zhou Enlai also presented similar stones to former Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka.

"Although the stones at the auction are precious varieties, nevertheless the high auction prices surprised many collectors because the domestic auction market has always preferred antiques. On December 16 we held our first actual stone only auction," said an insider.

On the same day another special auction, the first special contemporary Chinese artistic works auction in China was also held. More than sixty outstanding works of art were on display at this auction, including one piece designed by Wang Dehai, which auctioned off for 3.5 million yuan (US$ 474,448).

These auctions focusing on contemporary artists and national stones were held in China for the very first time, in order to attract collectors' attention toward contemporary artists and their works as well as to promote their cultural and economic value. The organizers also affirmed that they expected to usher in a new age of prosperity for contemporary arts and crafts.

(China.org.cn by Yang Xi, December 17, 2007)