The Italian perspective of Chinese art

Lang Shining left a body of paintings that depict royal events and ceremonies and landscapes. He introduced the Western technique of perspective, influencing Chinese painting for years after.

An album of 16 pieces painted in the flower-and-bird style attributed to Lang Shining was shown in Shanghai over the weekend as one of the highlights of Bonhams' Shanghai preview of its upcoming auction in Hong Kong late next month.

Also on show were ceramics, calligraphy, and Buddhist statues, some of which were from the collection of Jules Speelman, a leading collector and dealer of Asian art.