Several hundred returned Chinese treasures are the highlight of Poly International's upcoming auction.

The Chinese painting and calligraphy category features two Qi Baishi masterpieces - a Longevity polyptich (pictured) and a large "Pine and Eagle" hanging scroll. The polyptich was painted between 1947 and 1948 when Qi was in his 80s. Its vivid depiction of chrysanthemums, morning glories, shrimps and chickens show the artist's cherished childhood memories and reflect his famed innocence and simplicity.

Other valuable lots include the works of maestro Xu Beihong, Huang Binhong, Fan Zeng and Lin Fengmian, consigned by collectors from the US, Japan and China. A Chinese painting collection from a private art institute in Singapore and nearly 300 returned ancient paintings and calligraphy will also go under the hammer.

The art section has Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) porcelain, jade articles, bamboo carvings and Buddhist statues. A blue-and-white ceramic pot produced during the reign of Emperor Qianlong is the main work in this collection. It looks like a he - a bronze four-legged pot of the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th century BC) - in shape, and is characterized by interlocking lotus designs and the "Auspicious Eight Treasures of Buddhism." It was owned by Frederick Rush Innes, a Boston-based connoisseur.

The auction will also include more than 100 modern porcelains by Jingdezhen ceramic artists.

Time:Chinese painting and calligraphy: Preview 9 am-8 pm, Saturday; auction on Sunday and Monday.

Ceramics and works of art: Preview 9 am-8 pm, Sunday; auction on Monday and Tuesday.

Venue: New Poly Plaza, 1 Chaoyangmen Beidajie, Dongcheng district.

Tel: 010-6408 2277