A Zao Wou-ki masterpiece is expected to fetch more than US$2 million at the upcoming autumn auction on December 3 in Taipei.

Chinese art created during the past 100 years will continue to dominate Ravenel's auction.

The Taiwan-based auction company will put 178 lots under the hammer, including modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures and photos by 112 Chinese artists from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan Province and overseas.

Zao's abstract oil paintings will be the highlight. Three out of the total four lots were created in the 1960s, during which Zao's works came to the climax and his fame reached an unprecedented height in the world art circle, as most art critics suggest. Zao himself is also very pleased with the works of that time, which he considers to be of full maturity in art.

"5.12.1969" is one of the representatives of Zao's artistic achievement. The painting features a brilliant combination of "Chinese space" and "Western light." It is expected to fetch the highest bid between US$1.9 million and US$2.69 million.

Hilo Chiung-jui, an art historian in Taiwan, commented that the work "has a continuously rising power, which gives people an uplift will."

Another artist expected to steal the most attention is Chu Teh-chun. He is acclaimed as one of the most revered overseas Chinese masters among critics and collectors.

Chu's great love for ancient Chinese poetry and Western classic music is embodied in his works, which are hailed as poetic abstract creations.

Seven of Chu's oil paintings will go under the hammer. Among them, "The White Forest I" (lot 59) deserves particular recommendation. It is expected to bring in the second highest bids at an estimated US$978,600 to US$1.2 million. It belongs to the 1987 series entitled "The White Forest."

Being the cradle of Chinese oil art, the China Academy of Arts has boasted a lot of predominate names of tremendous influence in the art scene, such as Zao Wou-ki and Chu Teh-chun. The list also includes Wu Guanzhong, Chao Chung-hsiang and Shiy De-jinn, whose works are to be auctioned.

The famous Taiwan-based sculpture Ju Ming presents several of his "Taichi Series," including three bronze wares and a wooden piece. Taichi boxing examines the fusion of strength and tenderness, the balance of yin and yang and the harmony between movement and stillness, which represent Ju's attitudes towards life and esthetics. His Taichi sculptures visualize Chinese philosophers' concept of nature.

Other participating artists in the Chinese contemporary art scene include Wang Guangyi, Ji Dachun, Yin Zhaoyang and Zhou Chunya.

Works by young and promising Taiwan-based artists will also attract spotlights in the auction house.

The auction's Beijing preview will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on the Chang'an Avenue on Saturday and Sunday. Previews in Hong Kong and Taipei are set for November 25 and 26 and December 1 and 2 respectively.

(China Daily November 25, 2006)