The Poly Auction House in Beijing is holding a grand preview for prospective buyers interested in its autumn sale. For both collectors - and for people who simply love fine art - it's a chance to feast their eyes on some outstanding works.

There are nearly a thousand items up for sale in the autumn auction. The works include traditional Chinese paintings and calligraphy, antique porcelain and artifacts, as well as modern and contemporary art.

The oldest of the vintage paintings is a scroll composed by Wu Bin. The renowned scholar and artist of the Ming Dynasty painted it over five hundred years ago. Wu is known for his secular interpretation of Buddhist saints and patron gods, which often reflects the spirit and taste of contemporary intellectuals. Only 18 of Wu Bin's huge body of work now survive.

Most of the antiques to be auctioned are from the imperial collection during the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. Among them are porcelain, jadeware, and lacquerwork.

Sharing the limelight are works created by modern and contemporary Chinese painters. A considerable number are by Xu Beihong, a pioneer of oil painting in China. The works include both oils and drawings and sketches.