Chinese art works to be auctioned during Asian Art Week(2)

Measuring 135 centimetres tall, they were adorned with elaborate crown. One of them was shown holding a scroll, while the other chanted sutras.

Highlights of the jade include a marriage bowl decorated with Mandarin ducks and fish carved in the interior, as well as a pair of spinach-green archaistic vases. The vases were made during the reign of Qianlong, to be sold at 50,000 to 80,000 pounds.

"Emperor Qianlong was an admirer of antiquity, and saw the birth of archaistic shapes similar to the bronzeware in Shang and Han dynasties," according to Almeida.

There are also smaller pieces available at the auction. "Chinese jade craft men are among the best in the world. They know how to incorporate color in the design," he added.

A painting by late Chinese master Qi Baishi was labelled as 40,000 to 60,000 pounds. "He is the Chinese Picasso, and the peaches on the painting were so typical of his style," Almeida said.

The specialist disclosed that they have already received many phone calls from potential buyers, among whom about half are Chinese.

"Porcelain is still the most popular category but others are welcomed as well," he said.

In the following several days, Christie's is going to put more Chinese art works under the hammer, including snuff bottles, textile, lacquer, furniture, books, among others.