A rare auction in Inner Mongolia has been organised by a Beijing-based auction house, preceeded by a two day preview exhibition.

Zhang Daqian was the world's top-selling artist in 2011, with sales of more than $550m

Taking place at the Sheraton Hotel in the autonomous region's capital of Hohhot on January 26, the auction will showcase 700 items of fine Chinese art, furniture, jade and antiques, with pieces from top artists Zhang Daqian and Qi Baishi leading bids.

Also featuring will be two pieces of calligraphy from stamp favourite Sun Yat Sen.

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