Qi Baishi (1863-1957), Hen and Six Chicks, dated to the Gengchen year, corresponding to 1940. Photo courtesy Bonhams.

Ink and colour on paper, inscribed and sealed at the right side. 68.5cm x 35cm (27in x 13 4/5in). Sold for £200,500 (€240,494)

Provenance: an English private collection, by repute acquired by the grandfather of the present owner in Tianjin in the mid 20th century

The inscription may be translated as:

[For] Mr Bei Yahuai's elegant room, painted by Baishi hermit Qi Huang in the summer of the Gengchen year (1940)

The seal mark reads Qi da.

This masterful painting of a hen and six chicks was executed by Qi Baishi in the summer of 1940, when the artist was 77 years old. The painting attests to Qi's mastery of ink and his superb and meticulous skill to create varying strengths and intensities by the use of dry and wet ink.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street. 7 Nov 2013 - www.bonhams.com