In the midst of China’s Cultural Revolution, a 14-year-old coal miner bought a yellowing, torn copy of Honore de Balzac’s biography from a book collector on the side of the street. He became engrossed in the text, and dreamt from then on that he would devote his life to literature — to become, as Balzac … Read more
Hong Kong is unrecognisable now from the city which 50 years ago was the scene of bloody riots, fuelled by resentment of colonial rule and inspired by the Cultural Revolution unfolding in China. But although memories of the bomb-strewn chaos of 1967 have faded, the city is facing a new era of turbulence as democracy … Read more
An Andy Warhol portrait of Chairman Mao has been sold at a historic auction in Hong Kong – but fell short of its top estimate of $15m (£12m; HK$116m). The iconic silkscreen portrait fetched $11m in the sale at Sotheby’s on Sunday, or $12.6m after tax and fees. It was bought by an unnamed Asian … Read more
An Andy Warhol portrait of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong will be auctioned in Hong Kong in a landmark sale that could fetch $15 million — but mainland buyers may be wary of putting in a bid. The classic 1973 screen print by the legendary US pop artist will go under the hammer at Sotheby’s … Read more
A Chinese professor has been sacked after he criticized Chairman Mao Zedong on his 123rd birthday in an commentary he posted online that enraged leftists. Mao, who died on Dec. 9, 1976, is still officially venerated by the ruling Communist Party as the founder of modern China and his face appears on every yuan banknote. … Read more