A painting by Chen Yifei (1946-2005) was auctioned for 10 million yuan (US$1.25 million) via a telephone consignment yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in Shanghai, setting a record for one of the artist's pieces sold in China.

"Warm Breeze in the Jade Pavilion" is 169.5 centimeters by 242.5 centimeters, the biggest piece Chen created in 1993. It well reflects the artist's enthusiasm for film.

Chen died from liver failure when he was shooting the film "The Music Box" last year.

"This is a masterpiece among Chen's paintings," said Sun Peishao, head of the oil paintings department at Shanghai Hosane Auction Co Ltd. Before the auction, Sun predicted it would sell for 8 million yuan to 10 million yuan. The canvas features 11 figures in which an old Shanghai gangster - surrounded by his concubines and bodyguards - is watching a Peking Opera performance.

The piece was sold at Christie's for HK$1.67 million (US$215,027) in Hong Kong in 1993.

Another Chen's painting was sold for 4.5 million yuan yesterday.

Editor: Wing