Art Market and Social Changes in Early Republic of China (1912-1937)

Abstract: The Revolution of 1911 in China overthrew the feudal autocratic monarchy, causing tremendous changes in politics, economy, culture, and ideology. With the transformation of politics and economy, modern industry and commerce has progressed largely. Upon the influence of the social environment back then, especially the influence brought by modern capitalist economy, changes also appeared in the art market in the early Republic of China (1912-1937). Apart from the traditional art dealing agencies, such as antique stores and Nanping Paper shops, there were also new approaches like exhibitions and auctions. Instead of merely painting for joy and being ashamed of selling their works for profit, calligraphers and painters started to focus on the profit as well, they strictly enforced their remuneration and marketed their works actively. The changes taking place in the early Republic of China served as a microcosm of the economical and cultural reform in a society which contained both traditional and conflicting reform elements.

Keywords: early Republic of China (1912-1937); art market; social changes

Xiaojun Tao: College of Cultural Industries, Nanjing University of the Arts, Nanjing, China

*Corresponding author, Jianming Xie: School of Humanities, Nanjing University of the Arts, Nanjing, China

*Corresponding author, Xiaoyun Zhang: College of Teacher Education, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China