By Statistics - Auction Houses in China, 2006
- In 2006, 105 Auction Houses organized 697 sales, totaling RMB1,498,761,316 (US$187,345,164).
- Between 60% and 70% of all items offered were sold in Chinese auction sales.
- 28.3% of Chinese painting and calligraphy sold increased in value; 53.3% remained stable; 18.4% fell.
- 80% of Contemporary Art and oil paintings sold increased in value; 10% stayed unchanged; 10% fell.
- 23.3% of ceramics sold increased in value; 50% remained with little change; 26.7% fell.
Analysis of the Chinese Art Market, 2006
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The Chinese art market was dominated by short-term investors rather than long-term art collectors. Museums were not active.
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Contemporary Chinese art of the 80s led in sales.
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The Chinese art market slowed down after it reaching a peak in 2005.
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The art market in China recently joined the international Chinese art market. Both Sotheby’s and Christie’s were actively involved in the Chinese art market in China.
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The sale of classical Chinese paintings and calligraphies was very slow as compared with that of contemporary Chinese art and ceramics.
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Jade, furniture and ceramics were steady, with no dramatic ups or downs.
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Decorative arts and crafts started to gain favor from buyers and are the new stars in the market.
Watch List for Chinese Art Market, 2007
- Paintings by female artists of the Ming and Qing dynasty (17th –early 20th century). Li Yin, Ma Quan, Qian Yulin, Liao Jiahui, Chou Zhu, Chen Shu (1660-1736), Liu Ru (1618-1644), Huang Yuanjie are leading female artists of the time.
- Paintings by female entertainers of the Ming and Qing dynasty will be in demand. Watch for works by Xue Susu of the Ming dynasty.
- Buddhist art objects, especially painting and sculptures, will do well, bullding on their excellent performance in 2006.
- Ancient paper money, including certificates of exchange, is emerging in the market. The most popular ones are a rare set of eight bills issued by the Chinese government of the Republican period, one of which sold for RMB528,000 (US$66,000) in 2006.
- Scholarly objects, including bamboo carvings, ink stones, and desks made of rare wood, are hot.
- Wood block prints have started to attract the attention of Chinese art collectors.
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