The Chinese calligraphy piece “Jisi Tie,” missing since World War II, has resurfaced after 81 years and sold for HK$177.45 million. This private letter, created by the early Tang Dynasty calligrapher Yu Xinan, fetched a hammer price of HK$155 million at an auction held by China Guardian in Hong Kong. The artwork, exhibited in Beijing prior to the auction, had lost its title and the first two characters, but the remaining sections and annotations were preserved.
This rare historical calligraphy work, missing since 1945 due to the political turmoil and plundering during World War II, sold for approximately US$22.6 million (about HK$177.45 million). The prestigious China Guardian exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre showcased this piece, which ultimately achieved a hammer price of HK$155 million.
Entitled “Jisi Tie” after its opening phrase “Jisi Qing Xin” (I have been thinking of you for a long time), the letter was written by master calligrapher Yu Xinan to a friend. Yu Xinan is renowned as the calligraphy mentor of Tang Emperor Taizong and is regarded as one of the four great calligraphers of the Tang era.
When displayed in Beijing before the September auction, the rare work attracted a large crowd. Organizers limited viewing time to two minutes per visitor, resulting in queues over thirty minutes long. Art historians have noted that this sale once again establishes the historical and cultural significance of Chinese calligraphy on the global stage.
