China Guardian 2018 Autumn Auction Preview kicked off at Wanlin Art Museum on October 27th, offering glimpse into a feast of integrated culture from ancient to modern times, both home and abroad. Wanlin Art Museum has never witnessed a collection of such rare and precious masterpieces before. This exhibition also grasps great attention from the public, which can be told from the long line in front of the museum.

Visitors in the lobby of the museum

The exhibition covers Chinese painting and calligraphy of 20th century and contemporary art, ceramics and works of art, classical furniture, rare books, rubbings and manuscripts and precious collection of stamps, coins and Chinese sycees.

With a hill stone sketched by ink-splash brushwork lying in the middle of the image which creats a dynamic and imposing sense, the preternatural composition of the painting shows a delicate control over the shade. This is INK POENY by Xu Wei, a famous calligrapher and painter in Ming Dynasty and this ink-brush painting is just a tip of the iceberg. Extraordinary artworks of Chinese most prestigious artists like Qi Baishi’s Flora and Fruits , Fu Baoshi’s Dielianhua inspired by Mao Tse-Tong’s lyrics, Jiang Tingxi’s Auspicious peaches are also in the list.

Qi Baishi’s Flora and Fruits

Fu Baoshi’s Dielianhua

A work of calligraphy

Other than those masterpieces, exquisite handicrafts are also eye-catching. Sky Blue Jun Ware Flowerpot lies peacefully under the spotlight. The tone of the entire body of this flowerpot is sky blue while light purplish red can be seen at the belly and inner bottom, seeming like the emerging sunset glowing in the sky after an autumn rain. There is a wall covered with autographed handwriting of renowned people all over the world, including Albert Einstein, Francis Bacon and Gauguin. “At the moment I cast my eyes over these manuscripts, it feels like some connections have been built between me and those great minds.” Li, a student from College of Chinese Language and Literaturesaid.

Sky Blue Jun Ware Flowerpot

A piece of autographed handwriting of Francis Bacon

Just as President Dou Xiankang said on the opening ceremony, “Wanlin Museum provides students in WHU with an access to aesthetics, and thereby facilitating art and general education in WHU.” As it is the first time for China Guardian to step into a campus, this exhibition is a great attempt to spread diverse cultures and pass them on to the younger generations.

Photo by Ye Huaiqian

Edited by Li Yushan, Zheng Yayun & Hu Sijia