In an effort to increase its contents and broaden its appeal to the public, China Guardian is pleased to announce its Inspiration-Artistic Design auction on October 31 will feature Charm of Dragon - a grand piano co-produced by Steinway & Sons, an American and German manufacturer of handmade pianos and Tian Jiaqing, an expert of ancient furniture in China. Together with another 30 masterpieces that includes installations, jewelry, glassware and sculptures, the piano will be up for grabs at the China Guardian 2012 Autumn Auctions that run from October 28 to 31.
“For the first time, China Guardian releases Inspiration-Artistic Design and the piano will become the focal point,” said Sun Jie, marketing director of China Guardian Auctions Co., Ltd. “Art collection and appreciation have become an important part of people’s daily lives. In response to the growing phenomenon, China Guardian intends to provide a new lens for art by cooperating with Steinway & Sons.”
This year is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar, and in Chinese astrology, the dragon is seen as a dignified animal that stands for power and majesty. By drawing from traditional cultural images, Mr. Tian designed a dragon logo for the piano Charm of Dragon whose name reflects on the guqin, an instrument of great subtlety and refinement in ancient China.
In addition, the music stand is shaped like a traditional Chinese fan and the stool is modeled after the guqin table. Made of precious zitan and sandalwood, both pieces present the exquisite nature of Tian’s design and his unique appreciation as a recognized authority on Chinese furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Tian transformed the vacant platform beside the music stand into a foldable signature book, so the performers can sign their names on the wooden pages, adding a little extra to the grand piano.
“It stands out for its spiritual and philosophical creativity, which is superior to the cosmetic design of shapes and colors.” said Gong Jisui, a professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. “Charm of Dragon is a perfect blend of Chinese and western ideas, making it a valuable item. Tian has come up with a new way to combine western instruments and Chinese cultural images.”
This is the first time for Steinway & Sons to cooperate with a Chinese artist in 159 years, said Werner Husmann, chairman of Steinway Piano Shanghai and managing director of Steinway & Sons Europe. “By combining Chinese culture and history as well as the furniture style of the Qing and Ming dynasties, the piano presents a delicate, grand and arresting design. It is a classic example of today’s piano production, and more importantly, something that will be passed down from one generation to another.”
All the lots will be previewed from Oct 25 to 27 at the Convention Center of the Beijing International Hotel.