A large zitan worship shrine for Buddha custom-made for the Qing imperial court. [Photo provided to China Daily] |
Self-made billionaire Liu Yiqian didn't hesitate to purchase a million-worth of antiquities at a Beijing sale on Monday, although he has just spent $170 million on a Modigliani nude painting weeks ago.
He won the bidding for three lots at Poly International Auction's sales, which lasted from late last night to midnight. The Shanghai-based businessman was reportedly seen standing at the back of the Beijing saleroom.
He spent 34 million yuan on a Dipamkara Buddha figure of Qing Dynasty, 17.48 million yuan for an ink portrait of Qing General E Hui that bears Emperor Qianlong's calligraphy and 12.88 million yuan on a large zitan worship shrine for Buddha custom-made for the Qing imperial court.