Tao Lengyue was a notable figure in the movement to modernize the style of classical Chinese paintings in the 20th century. He introduced the oil painting technique of accentuating a contrast between light and shadow to breathe new life to ink paintings, and preserved the poetic beauty and a manner of intellectual seclusion from worldly affairs of the Chinese cultural traditions.

An oil still life work and a landscape collection depicting views of the Three Gorges by Tao, showing his dual mastery with Chinese and Western art, are now on show through Dec 8 at a preview exhibition for Sungari auction house's autumn sales in Beijing. The auction will be held in Shanghai from Dec 27 to 30.

The preview at the Sungari Art Space shows more than 500 works of art and crafts in different categories. On offer are classical Chinese paintings attributed to prominent artists, such as 17th-century master Wang Jian, and centuries-old ceramics with a sound source of origin.

A separate show of Chinese ceramics is also being held, and the objects will be auctioned at a sale at Sungari Art Space on Dec 1.