German-based Nagel Auktionen is exhibiting 50 pieces of selected Chinese arts in Beijing from April 16 to 18.

It is the first time for a German auctioneer to show auction items in China, which will be followed an Asian Art Auction in Stuttgart in Germany on May 21 and 22, according to the company.

Chinese auctioneers had become more competitive on the international auction market in recent years, said Nagel owner Robin Ph. Straub. A quarter of catalogues auctioned by the Asian Art Department last year were purchased by Chinese auctioneers. China will be one of the potential great market in the coming future, he said.

Founded in Germany in 1922, the Nagel Auktionen is one of the oldest and biggest auctioneers for fine arts and antiques. It will put 2,000 pieces of fine Asian arts for the May auction this year.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2004)