Christie's fall sale opens at the end of the month in Hong Kong. The series features 16 sales. They encompass several categories, from traditional art and classical painting, to cutting edge contemporary art from southeast Asia. The artistic works which will be auctioned are on display in Beijing.

Asian contemporary art has captured the imagination of art lovers world wide. Many are finding a fresh, vibrant approach in the way artists from China, South Korea, Japan and India interpret the world.

In contemporary art,is the Snow Landscape by Chinese artist Zhu Dequn. Created in 1986 during his stay in Australia, the painting reveals the mystical beauty and dramatic appeal of natural landscapes with bold colors.

Also among the stellar pieces are two oils from renowned Chinese painter Chen Danqing. The paintings portraying Tibetans were created in the 1980s. They reflect an effort to imitate French Realist artist Jean Francois Millet.

Supermarket, one of the few remaining pieces of departed Japanese painter Tetsuya Ishida is also expected to fetch a high price. He died in a train accident in 2005 at the age of 31. Ishida's paintings are known for their dark portrayal of Japanese life. The protagonist is always trapped in a machine-like body, or treated as part of a production line.

In the sale of Chinese ceramics, a Qing imperial porcelain is the centerpiece. Exquisitely painted in brilliant multi-color enamels with meticulous attention to detail, this vase is a tour de force. The beauty and rarity of the vase is enhanced by its impeccable provenance. The vase dates back 260 years.

Also going under the hammer will be some lacquer ware from the passionate, knowledgeable collectors of the Lee Family. The family collection of Sammy Lee includes some of the finest lacquers ever found on the market.

Despite the credit crunch and global financial crisis, insiders are optimistic that outstanding art sells itself.

Wang Jie, business development director of Chinese Mainland Area, Christie's, said, "We expect only modest prices for these exhibits. Many will go at prices much higher than what we expect. The current gloomy economy actually provides a good chance for collecting. Art works often are sold at much more reasonable prices."

The fall auction takes place November 29th to December 3rd, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.