A painting by contemporary Chinese artist Qi Baishi has fetched a record price in an auction-- 425 and a half million yuan, or 65 million US dollars. It was sold by Beijing-based China Guardian on Sunday.

Undated photo shows the work by Qi Baishi which was sold for a record high price of 425.5 million yuan at the China Guardian 2011 Spring Auctions in Beijing, capital of China.

It's a record high for a modern Chinese painting and calligraphy.It depicts an eagle standing on a pine tree, and also calligraphy scrolls. It's said to be the largest work of Qi Baishi. Born in 1864, Qi Baishi is one of the most influential artists in China's contemporary and modern art history.

Undated photo shows the work by Qi Baishi which was sold for a record high price of 425.5 million yuan at the China Guardian 2011 Spring Auctions in Beijing, capital of China.

Wang Yannan, Managing Director & President of China Guardian, said, "It surprised many of us. It's indeed one of Qi Baishi's best works.Everyone likes it. It's not so easy to come across such an excellent work. "