Rare work set to make waves

Autumn Hunting of Yuan People, believed to be a joint effort of anonymous painters, depicts a panoramic view of royals and troops of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). [Photo provided to China Daily]

Autumn Hunting of Yuan People, which failed to find a buyer at a Beijing Poly auction in 2007, will go under the hammer on Thursday. Lin Qi reports.

After the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), emperor Pu Yi (1906-67) and the imperial household were allowed by the Republic of China (1911-49) government to remain in some parts of the Forbidden City, aka the Palace Museum.

But fearing that he would be expelled from the palace, Pu Yi secretly moved out many classical artworks and antiques, which had been in imperial collections but became public holdings following the end of the monarchy in China.

According to historical records, on Jan 11, 1923, 32 traditional ink paintings were taken from the palace on Pu Yi's orders. Among them was a 12.4-meter-long color scroll titled Autumn Hunting of Yuan People.

The painting depicts a panoramic view of royals and troops of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) camping, hunting and banqueting. It features vivid colors and details.

The painting will be auctioned at the inaugural sale of the Shanghai-based Poly Huayi Auction on Thursday.

The auction house was jointly established earlier this year by Beijing Poly International Auction, Huayi Brothers Venture Capital and Tianchen Times.

The upcoming sale will also comprise other classical art, antiques, jewelry and wines.

A preview will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at Shanghai's Jing An Shangri-La hotel.