A CHINESE painting and calligraphy auction, the first art auction of the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF) 2006 to be held from May 18 to 21 next year, will be held at the Hilton Shenzhen Panglin Hotel on Friday.

A total of 726 paintings and works of calligraphy by modern Chinese artists will be auctioned during the event, which is expected to draw more than 500 buyers from China and abroad.

The works of art on auction include rare paintings by the late Beijing Opera artist Zhang Junqiu, whose works are avidly sought by collectors worldwide. Some of Zhang's collection will also be on sale, which includes works by Huang Zhou and Liu Haisu, widely regarded as two of the most outstanding contemporary Chinese painters.

The auction will also make available some Lingnan-style or South China-style paintings, which have grown increasingly popular in Guangdong. The most eagerly anticipated works are those by Guan Shanyue, Huang Bijun, Lu Guangzhao and Zhao Yunhe.

A pre-auction expo is being held at the Shenzhen Museum today.

Auction venue: Panglin Hall, 4/F, Hilton Shenzhen Panglin Hotel; Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.