Lot 3620. A miniature handscroll painting by Zhang Ruo'ai (1713-46), Qing dynasty, Yongzheng-Qianlong period (1723-1796); 104.2 cm., 41 in. Estimate 300,000 — 400,000  HKD. Lot sold 725,000 HKD. © Sotheby's

miniature handscroll, gold on black silk with a silk brocade wrapper, delicately painted with a wondrous rural landscape arboured with large bamboo shoots issuing clusters of bamboo leaves stemming from craggy rockwork, a solitary scholar crossing a bridge whilst holding a long staff in his hand, the background abounding in mountainous cliffs, inscribed in gilt with chen Zhang Ruo'ai gong hui ('respectfully painted by your servant Zhang Ruo'ai') followed by two red seals reading chen and ai respectfully, colophon dated 1st year of the Xuantong reign.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Works of Art, Hong Kong, 07 april 2015