Who is the only top 10 artist whose sales figures improved last year compared to 2008? Spanish genius Pablo Picasso? Dutch master Van Gogh? Britart wildboy Damien Hirst? None of the above. In fact, it is Chinese artist Qi Baishi, whose sale figures last year was only bettered by Andy Warhol and Picasso himself.

According to a list of global best-selling art compiled by data provider artprice, art by Qi fetched $70m last year thanks to the increased buying power of beneficiaries of the Chinese economic boom. Warhol made $106m and Picasso $121m.