Controversies

Rongbaozhai Guangzhou Accused of Selling Fake Qi Baishi for RMB 2.63m; First Instance Orders About RMB 3.2m Refund

The buyer claims that Qi Baishi's Lotus and Kingfisher, purchased from Rongbaozhai Guangzhou for RMB 2.63 million, was authenticated as a fake by three institutions. In August 2025, the Guangzhou Yuexiu District Court at first instance did not determine authenticity, but accepted Rongbaozhai's earlier commitment in negotiations to refund, and ordered a refund plus payment of a capital occupation fee totaling about RMB 3.2 million, with Rongbaozhai headquarters bearing joint and several liability; both sides appealed, and another six works by famous artists have been preliminarily judged to be fake, with litigation pending. Rongbaozhai issued a solemn statement denying that it sold fakes. Status: court judgment. Entities involved: Rongbaozhai, Rongbaozhai (Guangzhou). Scope: art authenticity dispute.