NEW YORK, NY.- Gianguan Auctions announced a new specialty within its paintings category. In addition to works by ancient masters and 20th century modernists, the gallery will now regularly offer the works of early 21st century avant garde Chinese artists working in the traditional format.

This move reflects the strength of the market in China for paintings by established contemporary artists. Gianguan’s September 9th auction in New York City features seven works, leading with “Lotus” by Zhang Xiujen, and including pen-and-inks on paper by Chen Hong, He Shuanping, Hong Mingze, Li Zhitian, and Lu Hanging.

Gianguan Auctions is the first independent auction house to make a commitment to presenting the category as an integral part of their platform.

Zhang Xiujin, b. 1951, is the recipient of many accolades and awards for her ability to create a visual poem that speaks of subject matter and its harmony with the human spirit. In Lotus” (2016) a murky bottom gives rise to a turquoise mist from which brilliantly colored flowers find their space. It is anticipated that Lot 62 will exceed it’s low estimate of $150,000.

Li Zhitian (b. 1959) plants viewers firmly in the present with “Full Harvest,” a painting that captures the globalization of cultures. Centered in a field of golden flowers, a young woman wearing sunglasses surveys the surroundings, presumably looking for the best angle on which to train her camera. Inscribed and signed Zhitian, with two artist seals, Lot 102 is destined to go off at more than $8,000.

Chen Hong (b. 1971) offers “Moon Over Mountaintop,” a landscape alive with color blocks and rough brush strokes suggesting the stamina of inhabitants and wildlife. The 27” long ink-on-paper is signed with one artist seal. It is Lot 104, valued at more than $40,000.

He Shuanping (b. 1964) provides a deft interpretation of “Wisteria and Birds” (2019). Though shades of black and gray predominate, the trusses of flowers cascade in hues of purple with conspicuous yellow spots. Lot 100 makes a beautiful acquisition at upwards of $8,000.

“Herons in Lotus Pond” (2013), another work by Cheng Hong, infuses a favored theme with the raw energy of vibrant brush strokes. Here two large white cranes stand on rockery amidst a storm of emerging blossoms. Entitled and signed, this is Lot 85, carrying a pre-sale estimate of $120,000 or higher.

From the brush of Hong Mingze (b. 1943), comes a painting of sophisticated detail entitled “Landscape.” Four mountains tower above the cut of a river as trees, bushes, outcroppings and a mid-channel island come to life under brush strokes reminiscent of court painters. Signed Hong Mingze with two artist seals, Lot 65 is expected to fetch as much as $15,000.

“Mt Xishan Spring,” by Lu Huagang (b. 1974) overpaints splashes of turquoise, coral and yellow on a bleak background to fulfill the promise of a spring morning. Inscribed and signed Huagang, with one artist seal, Lot 59 will see bidding beginning at $8,000.