Chinese Art Market 101

The Chinese art boom of the 2000s will be remembered as one of the most influential periods in modern art history. Chinese art dates back to the sixth century during the period of the Northern and Southern dynasties. During the Sui and Tang dynasties (500-1000 A.D), China was reunifying, creating a period of prosperity and a flourishing art and literature market. Art during this time reflected many different cultural backgrounds around China. These art pieces included paintings, calligraphies, Buddhist sculptures, metalwork and ceramics. After this period came the Song dynasty. The Song dynasty was an era that shaped Chinese culture. During this time, art was mainly focused on textiles that were produced for trade, and ceramics. The next major era included the Ming and Qing dynasties. Art was flourishing, and porcelains were being produced as exports to ship around the world. With the fall of the Qing dynasty, introduced the twentieth century and the Communist era. In the beginning of the century, artists were involved with reform movements to promote nationalism and modernism. Major artists went abroad for training, those who stayed created private art societies. Most of the art practiced included “fine art” paintings. However, previous art practices like calligraphy and ceramics were no longer taught in art schools. In the 1940s, the Communist party inflicted standards on art production, hindering artists’ ability to create what they wanted. Then finally in the 1980s, a new generation of artists emerged, embracing Western art. These artists tested boundaries, challenged the communist party, and painted about taboo subjects. This is time that the Chinese contemporary art market started to make a name for itself.

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...tly, the Chinese and Hong Kong art markets are booming, however, many art historians and art investors are predicting that the Chinese art bubble will soon burst. For now, there is a steady incline in art sales at auction houses in mainland China and Hong Kong.

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