On a balmy spring day, the curtain rose on an auction preview for Sotheby's 2024 Hong Kong Spring Sales in Beijing on March 12.

Previously showcased in Shanghai from March 8 to 9, this two-day event unveiled a captivating array of treasures across seven distinct collection categories, spanning the realms of art and luxury.

A series of ancient Chinese paintings and calligraphy from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) highlighted the preview, including works from Wang Yuanqi(1642-1715) and Chen Hongshou (1598-1652).

Among the exhibited pieces were contemporary and modern works by celebrated artists. Notably, A Garden of Sorrento, a masterpiece by the eminent French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, graced the display. This enchanting painting portrays an idyllic landscape where a winding road leads to the sparkling sea, enveloped in an aura of serenity. 

Equally captivating was Old Man and a Bird by Zhang Enli, an artist who witnessed Shanghai's remarkable transformation since his arrival in 1989.

Another highlight is a dragon in bold red by Robert Nava, nicely echoing Chinese Lunar New Year in 2024-the Year of the Dragon.

Sotheby's, having set foot in Shanghai back in 1994, stands as one of the pioneering international auction houses to operate within China. Over the years, it has borne witness to the burgeoning vitality and boundless potential of China's art and cultural landscape.

As 2024 commemorates the 30th anniversary of Sotheby's presence in China, this preview tour serves as a tribute to this significant milestone. Jean Qian, the managing director of Sotheby's China, eagerly anticipates further promoting and invigorating the Chinese art market.

"The tour not only celebrates Sotheby's three decades in China but also carries our aspirations for the future," she said.