A three-day auction dedicated to Chinese calligraphy and paintings will start in Beijing on Friday.

A total of 1,703 calligraphy items and paintings spanning from ancient times to the modern era, including original works of famous Chinese painters Qi Baishi, Wu Zuoren and Zhang Daqian, will be put up for sale at the auction, which will be hosted by Sungari International Auction Co. Ltd.

It will be the largest of its kind and the artistic works will be arranged into seven specialized groups, according to Zhao Yu, art advisor of Sungari International.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2004)