A CALLIGRAPHIC scroll of 10 poems written and composed by Ming Dynasty literati Wen Zhengming (1470-1559) fetched 81.65 million yuan (US$12.7 million) Monday at a Poly International Auction sale.

    The piece exemplifies Wen’s precision and refinement in writing, which he achieved in the late years of his life.

    The scroll was once listed in “Shi Qu Bao Ji,” the well-known catalog of the Qing imperial collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy. It has several appreciation seals of collectors and Emperor Qianlong who ordered the compilation of the catalog.

    It was sold for 51 million yuan at auction two years ago and triggered a fierce bidding race Monday night.

    Other items sold at the auction included a white jade seal that Emperor Qianlong used frequently in his late years that was sold at 74.75 million yuan.

    An exquisite kettle treasured by the Ming imperial court and a gilt-bronze clock made by British watch maker for the Qing imperial court both fetched 36.2 million yuan.(SD-Agencies)