Explore the dominance of modern and contemporary Chinese paintings in the 2022 art market, with significant sales from artists like Zhang Daqian and Qi Baishi and notable ancient works capturing...
Modern and contemporary Chinese paintings have long held a prominent place in the domestic art market, known for their stability and broad appeal. In 2022, these artworks continued to dominate, reflecting their resilience and the strong following of renowned artists.
The "2022 Chinese Art Market Top 10 Transaction Prices for Chinese Paintings" highlighted the dominance of modern and contemporary works, with Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, and Fu Baoshi each having two pieces on the list. Notably, Cui Ruzhuo represented contemporary paintings, while three ancient paintings also made the list.
Zhang Daqian, a leading figure in modern Chinese painting, saw his work "Landscape after Wang Ximeng" (1947) sell for RMB 304,338,000 at Sotheby's, the highest transaction price in 2022. Another notable work, "拟周文矩戏婴图" (1947), fetched RMB 43,700,000 at Jiade.
Qi Baishi, another top artist, had his "Flowers and Fruit - Set of 4" sell for RMB 72,237,000 at Sotheby's, while "Lotus and Mandarin Ducks" fetched RMB 55,200,000 at Jiade. His works' consistent high performance underscores his lasting influence and appeal.
Fu Baoshi's works "高山仰止" (1962) and "满身苍翠惊高风" (1962) sold for RMB 66,700,000 and RMB 52,325,000, respectively, both at Jiade. His paintings remain highly sought after, reflecting his significant market presence.
Cui Ruzhuo's contemporary painting "秋韵" (2021) achieved RMB 103,500,000 at Yongle Auction, showcasing the growing market presence and value of contemporary Chinese art.
Ancient Chinese paintings also drew significant attention in 2022. Collectors focused on well-documented masterpieces and works recorded in historical texts like 《石渠宝笈》.
These sales demonstrate that significant works continue to captivate collectors, even amid adverse market conditions.
The art market in 2022 highlighted several key trends:
Modern and contemporary paintings have a large base of works, diverse choices, broad audience appeal, and good liquidity. They benefit from abundant publication materials that ease authenticity verification. The stability of these artworks is particularly evident during market downturns, where renowned artists' works exhibit a stronger ability to resist risks.
The demand for ancient paintings focuses on their historical and artistic worth. These works are valued for their rarity and the rediscovery of their significance. High-profile sales at auction houses like Beijing Poly and Beijing Rongbao reflect the continued enthusiasm for well-documented ancient masterpieces.
While contemporary Chinese paintings hold a smaller market share compared to ancient and modern works, their vibrant energy is becoming increasingly apparent. Artists like Fan Zeng and Cui Ruzhuo have seen their works approach or even surpass the prices of modern masters. However, contemporary paintings face some uncertainty in quantity and style, which limits overall price increases.
As contemporary artists and their works undergo repeated market scrutiny and face evolving aesthetic standards, the value and recognition of these works continue to be tested and affirmed. The Chinese art market's resilience and adaptability will likely drive future trends and shifts, ensuring a dynamic and evolving landscape.
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