A piece of art by Xie Zhiliu.

Works of five respected connoisseurs of Chinese paintings and calligraphy will highlight the autumn sales of the Beijing-based Wen Jin Ge International Auction.

Hailed as "the nation's eyes to spot treasures", Xie Zhiliu, Qi Gong, Xu Bangda, Liu Jiu'an and Yang Renkai were members of a national team founded in 1983 that appraised ancient Chinese painting and calligraphy. They were also well-established painters and calligraphers.

The 53 works to go under the hammer are mostly consigned by their families and students, and reflect mastery and unrivaled taste of classic fine art.

Wen Jin Ge will put a total of 456 Chinese paintings and calligraphy works at auction, also including pieces by Qi Baishi, Wu Changshuo and Xu Beihong. The sales will start the afternoon of Nov 19.

A calligraphy work by Liu Jiu'an.