Auction helps paint a brighter future for physically challenged

There was no initial indication that the price was to more than double. After all, 13 bids of around 200 yuan ($28) had been made without the asking price rocketing. The subject of the bid was the painting Magpies on the Branch. Then, suddenly, after a hectic spell of bids and counterbids, a price of 520 yuan was accepted at an art auction held at a gallery in Jinan, Shandong province, on Nov 18.

The painting, showcasing two magpies perched on a branch surrounded by light-colored flowers and leaves against a dark blue background, was heavy with meaning as magpies in China symbolize hope for future prosperity and good luck.

Created by Shi Zaitao, a junior student at the School of Art of Shandong Agriculture and Engineering University, the magpie painting was one of a collection of more than 100 that went under the hammer at a charity-oriented auction, titled "Dreams Come True in Shandong".