A special preview of famous paintings and calligraphy works which will soon be put up for auction opened in Kunming on Oct 18.

The artworks all come from renowned local painters and calligraphers through the ages, such as Qian Nanyuan and Yang Yingxuan, both well-known calligraphers during the Qing Dynasty (AD 1644-1911).

For most pieces, it will be the first time that they have ever been shown in public after being held by private collectors for many years.

An expert from the auction house said that despite the artworks being fine originals, they are likely to sell for less than similar works on the market.

The largest scroll that Qian Nanyuan ever created, and which has been in a private collection for 70 years, will be a feature of the show.

A painting of some famous Yunnan painter to be displayed in Kunming city, Yunnan province on Oct 18 before the auction begins on Oct 23. [Photo/ynci.cn]

Edited by Owen Fishwick