At No. 76 East Third Ring South Road in Beijing stands a cultural landmark—Jia Art Center (formerly Shengjia Art Center). From December 12 to 24, stepping inside feels like entering a tranquil yet richly layered parallel universe. What awaits visitors is no ordinary exhibition but the preview for the second and third phases of the Zhongmao Shengjia 2025 Autumn 30th Anniversary Celebration Auction. Unlike the "visual impact" of the first phase’s porcelain and modern art, the atmosphere here is more introspective, demanding deeper cultural appreciation and contemplation.
The stars of this showcase are calligraphy, ancient texts, and coins—each a testament to centuries of heritage, awaiting discerning eyes to decode their stories.
**Brushstrokes That Capture History** The "Treasures—Important Chinese Paintings and Ancient Texts Night Auction" features an exceptional collection, with Qing Dynasty imperial works taking center stage. A horizontal plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi for his minister Wei Xiangshu, "Feng Du Hong Yuan" (Grace and Vision), glows on gold-speckled paper with intricate dragon motifs, embodying 17 years of imperial remembrance. Emperor Yongzheng’s cursive poetry scroll reveals his lesser-known artistic flair, while Emperor Qianlong’s *Willows and Ducks in a Pond*—a delicate blend of literati elegance and royal aesthetics—stands out as a masterpiece.
Ming Dynasty artist Yao Shou’s *Mountain Screen*, once owned by collector Wang Jiqian and authenticated by Xu Bangda, bridges Yuan Dynasty traditions with scholarly refinement. Modern highlights include Fu Baoshi’s *Gele Mountain*, a gift to artist Lai Shaoqi, its misty ink washes bearing witness to their friendship.
**Ancient Texts: Carriers of Civilization** The rare books section, though solemn, houses staggering cultural relics. The *Sacred Instructions of Emperor Gaozong of Qing*—a 300-volume set bound in imperial yellow silk—represents the pinnacle of Qing court printing. Equally remarkable are Song, Yuan, and Ming editions stamped with imperial seals, like Qianlong’s *Imperial Poetry Anthology*, a 334-volume chronicle of his reign and reflections. Surviving wars and fires, these tomes are tangible links to China’s intellectual legacy.
**Coins: Miniatures of National Memory** The "Numismatic Wonders" section dazzles with rarities like the 1927 Zhang Zuolin 50-Yuan gold coin prototype—a PCGS-certified masterpiece tied to the Zhang family’s tumultuous history. From Tang Dynasty charms to Pokémon cards, the display spans monetary evolution and pop culture.
**Strings of Heritage: Guqin and Manuscripts** The "Spring Thunder Qin Room"专场 spotlights guqins and manuscripts from the collections of Pu Xuezhai and Zheng Minzhong, blending craftsmanship with scholarly notes that preserve China’s musical traditions.
As 2025 winds down, Jia Art Center invites you to this timeless dialogue between art and history.
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