Yi qian private dining

Liu Yiqian&#;s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of China&#;s most prominent art collectors is a testament to his tenacity, vision, and passion for Chinese heritage.

Liu yi qian biography An autodidact who formerly worked as a taxi driver, he has built his fortune since the mids by investing in stock trading , real estate [ 2 ] and pharmaceuticals. Born in into a working-class family in Shanghai, Liu Yiqian dropped out of school at the age of 14, in order to help his mother to sell handbags on the street. Then he became a taxi driver in Shanghai for two years in the mids, before making his fortune in the s as part of the new rich who emerged after China's reform and opening-up policy. As a consequence, in just two years, the share price jumped to over 10, yuan. Liu increased his fortune by touring the major cities to buy up shares in state-owned enterprises from their market economy from unaware employees before these enterprises listed.

Born in in Shanghai, Liu&#;s early life was far removed from the world of high art. He started his career as a taxi driver, a far cry from the opulent lifestyle he leads today. Yet, it was this very beginning that laid the groundwork for his incredible ascent in the business and art world.

Early Business Ventures

Liu Yiqian&#;s transition from taxi driving to high finance is a remarkable story of entrepreneurial spirit.

Despite not having attended college, Liu capitalized on the economic reforms sweeping China in the s and s. He ventured into various businesses, including pharmaceuticals, real estate, and securities. His keen business acumen and willingness to take risks paid off, allowing him to amass substantial wealth. By , Forbes estimated his net worth at around $ billion, positioning him among China&#;s wealthiest individuals.

Passion for Art

Liu&#;s entry into the art world was driven by a profound appreciation for Chinese culture and history.

Unlike many collectors who focus on specific eras or types of art, Liu&#;s collection is eclectic, spanning centuries and styles.

Life drawing From the younger generation of super-rich, Liu Yiqian is China's biggest art collector. Chinese media have dubbed him "the eccentric Mr Liu" because he wears T-shirts to work and shaves only occasionally, but his investment style suggests he is highly savvy. As my crew fussed around his office preparing for the interview, Liu appeared unfazed, intently studying a huge screen of stock prices, a cigarette in one hand, and a mug of tea by his side. Born in into an ordinary working class family in Shanghai, Liu left school at 14 to help his mother with her handbag business. Initially, he made the bags which she sold from a stand on the street.

He has acquired Song dynasty paintings, Qing dynasty porcelain, Cultural Revolution artifacts, and contemporary works by artists like Fang Lijun. &#;I don&#;t have a specialization,&#; Liu remarked in an interview. &#;As long as it&#;s Chinese, I&#;ll collect it.&#;

The Power of Auction Houses

The burgeoning wealth of China’s new elite has transformed the global art market, with Chinese buyers often setting new records at auctions.

Liu Yiqian is no stranger to this phenomenon. His purchases have not only made headlines but also highlighted the increasing influence of Chinese collectors. In , for instance, a Ming dynasty vase sold for a staggering $ million at an auction in Macau, showcasing the fevered bidding wars that have come to characterize the market.

Building a Legacy: The Long Museum

Liu Yiqian’s passion for art is not just about personal gratification; it is also about sharing his love for Chinese heritage with the public.

To this end, he and his wife, Wang Wei, established the Long Museum in Shanghai.

Liu yi qian biography wikipedia T here are very few collecting couples in the art world that have risen as prolifically in the past decade as Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei. Yet what underlies the public personas is the propensity for the vision to amass one of the finest private collections of Chinese art and antiquities, modern and contemporary art. The collection of Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei extends to the thousands — reflecting a collecting journey of more than 30 years exploring art of all mediums, genres, periods and geographies with irrepressible curiosity. First you must be fond of the art. While Liu is passionate about Chinese art, from ceramics and jades, to furniture, paintings and calligraphies, Wang embraces modern and contemporary art from established and rising names.

The first of its kind, this ,square-foot space opened to the public with a mission to educate and inspire. The admission fee is $9, making it accessible to a broad audience. The museum houses a vast array of Chinese art, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, reflecting Liu&#;s diverse tastes.

The Long Museum is more than just a repository of art; it is a cultural institution that aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Chinese art among new generations.

Liu plans to open a second museum, further cementing his commitment to cultural preservation and education.

A Lasting Impact

Liu Yiqian&#;s story is one of transformation and vision. From a taxi driver to a billionaire art collector, his journey is a testament to the possibilities that arise from passion, determination, and strategic risk-taking.

His influence extends beyond his personal collection; through the Long Museum, Liu is creating a lasting legacy that celebrates Chinese art and culture.

As China’s art market continues to grow, driven by wealthy collectors like Liu, the global landscape is also changing.

Liu yi qian biography wife

Liu Yiqian learned about art the way only a billionaire could. The couple is perhaps best known for founding the Long Museum, where Wang serves as its director. The museum has two locations in Shanghai and a third in the southwestern city of Chongqing and exhibits a range of styles of art from traditional Chinese art to modern and contemporary Asian and Western art. The self-made former taxi driver has made headlines for reasons other than his spending habits. He paid for it by swiping his American Express card 24 times, simultaneously collecting the chicken cup and million American Express Points.

The rise of Chinese art collectors has not only inflated auction prices but also shifted the focus towards Chinese cultural heritage. Liu Yiqian stands at the forefront of this movement, embodying the spirit of modern Chinese patronage and leaving an indelible mark on the art world.