Zhou Xia naturally could not retreat at this time, and Zhou Nanming felt that he was sure of victory. Under the attention of everyone, he took out the two paintings he brought.

Zhou Xia knew without looking at it. The two paintings used by Zhou Nanming to test his level are definitely not simple, and they must not be analyzed based on common sense. It is very likely that the painting that looks the most like the real one is a imitation or even a fake, while the inconspicuous one is the original.

Of course, everything must be spoken by facts.

Zhou Xia also asked Zhou Nanming how these two paintings were obtained.

Zhou Nanming replied that he was bought from a friend, and as for where his friend got it, he didn't know. His words meant that one of the important basis for identifying ancient calligraphy and calligraphy and paintings, and that the inheritance was orderly, and there was no such thing! Undoubtedly, it added a higher difficulty to this identification.

And this cannot be regarded as Zhou Nanming deliberately making things difficult for him, because many ancient paintings on the market are not very clear about their origins, and everyone is used to them. It depends on their personal ability and whether they have enough vision.

The first painting Zhou Nanming took out was a vertical scroll of flat forests and far mountains. The bell mark was Ni Zan, a painter of the Yuan Dynasty. It was not very large, about one meter high and about forty centimeters wide.

Zhou Xia is still accustomed to relying on his own abilities to make identification first, and then comparing it with systematic judgments. From this, he can learn a lot and increase his knowledge.

Since he was a professional from the Department of Archaeology, he was used to identifying materials first. This time, he was no exception. The first thing he identified was the silk paper he painted to see if its age was really in the Yuan Dynasty.

Zhou Xia not only used a magnifying glass to carefully observe every part of the silk paper, but also had to rub it with his hands and even sniff it gently with his nose. He wanted to carefully identify whether there were any signs of old things in terms of material.

If it is a modern new work, first of all, the material level will be knocked back to its original form, imitating the antique and making it old, and it will always leave some traces. Of course, there are also some high-quality imitations that are willing to invest in. The silk paper used is all paper preserved in ancient times, so Zhou Xia's move will not have much effect.

When Zhou Xia was carefully evaluating, he had no research on ancient calligraphy and paintings. Wang Chao, who only liked to watch the fun, noticed that a smug smile flashed across Zhou Nanming's face. This made Wang Chao feel a little bad, because Zhou Nanming should have known Zhou Xia's habit. If he used new imitation with old paper, his move would not work at all, and would be easily misled. It depends on whether Zhou Xia would be affected by this.

Zhou Xia quickly made the identification results of the paper material, but he did not find any obvious traces of old destruction. The silk paper used in this painting is at least four or five hundred years old, so it is quite possible to move forward. However, this is definitely not enough. It would be too ridiculous to make an identification conclusion on this and say it is genuine.

But what happened next would be a bit difficult for Zhou Xia.

Because he was not good at identifying ancient calligraphy and paintings, he only knew his life and the main characteristics of his works for the Yuan Dynasty painter Ni Zan. He was good at painting landscapes, ink bamboo, and learned from Dong Yuan. Influenced by Zhao Mengfu, he was collectively known as the "Four Yuan Schools" with Huang Gongwang, Wang Meng and Wu Zhen.

The painting Zhou Nanming brought was not Ni Zan's most proud work in his life. Zhou Xia had no chance to see the original work before. Even if it was a copy by later generations, with Zhou Xia's current level, he wanted to accurately identify it.

It's not an easy thing either.

Thinking of this, Zhou Xia's brows frowned slightly.

Seeing this scene, Zhou Nanming's smile became even stronger.

However, Zhou Xia did not give up because of this. He used his brain and quickly recalled all the information about Ni Zan. Although he felt that his memory seemed to be better than in the past, there were still not many things he could remember.

However, Ni Zan's simple and sparse landscape style influenced many Ming families in later generations, such as Dong Qichang, Shi Tao and other Ming and Qing masters, highly praised Ni Zan. Even Ni Zan was hailed as one of the top ten calligraphers and painters in ancient China, which Zhou Xia was quite clear about.

At this time, Zhou Xia also forced himself to analyze and identify the painting from the perspective of ordinary people, which is also the best way to improve his artistic taste. Given that his own knowledge reserves are still insufficient, Zhou Xia also felt that it was necessary to continue charging, otherwise, if he was tossed by Zhou Nanming for a few times, his psychological pressure would be too great.

To be fair, the level of this painting is quite good. At least, Zhou Xia can feel the beauty in it, and he feels that Ni Zan's painting style and taste are really the same. Unlike the modern art works that Zhou Nanming often brings to the company, it is simply incomprehensible.

Of course, Zhou Xia didn't see much in the end, so he could only seek help from the system. Judging from his not low aesthetic level, this painting is fresh and refined, with a special aesthetic sense. If it is really a copy, then the level of copying is definitely quite high. It is very likely that it is a copy by a master of calligraphy and painting.

The inscription on this painting stated that it was made in July of the autumn of the second year of Zhiyuan. The conversion time to Zhou Xia was unambiguous, and it should have been in 1342.

He asked the system to make an appraisal, and the system concluded that "the work was created in 1601 AD."

As for more detailed information, the system will not always provide it.

But it was a great blessing for Zhou Xia to have such information. But his brows did not relax, but instead became tighter. We couldn't leave it to the system for judgment every time! The truth is still to work hard to improve our level.

Fortunately, at least, he could give Zhou Nanming an explanation.

Zhou Nanming was waiting for his appraisal results. Seeing that he was in a heavy mood, Zhou Nanming felt even more excited and asked him with a smile, "Teacher Zhou, do you know if your appraisal of this work has any results?"

Zhou Xia pretended to be pondered for a moment, and then replied, "Everyone knows that I have never studied ancient calligraphy and painting deeply, so I dare not talk about the appraisal results. I can only talk about my personal foolish opinions for your reference only. If you have any words from outsiders, please laugh it off. Whether it can be taken on the photo will be discussed by Manager Liu and Master Xu before making a conclusion."

When Zhou Nanming heard him say such humble words, he felt more and more that he was not able to identify accurately, so he waved his hand generously and said, "Teacher Zhou is too modest. Your identification ability is recognized by Manager Liu. I believe that Manager Liu will use this identification result as the main reference. There are no outsiders here. Teacher Zhou might as well say it out loud. We all listen carefully."

"Then I'll just pretend to be an expert and tell me my personal opinion..." Zhou Xia said slowly. Just as everyone was looking forward, he suddenly stopped and said to Xu Zhendong, "Master Xu, Manager Liu, why don't you take a look first, and then I'll talk about my personal opinion?"

Before Xu Zhendong and Liu Yuqing answered, Zhou Nanming secretly called the boy too cunning and rushed to say, "I don't think it's necessary! Today, Teacher Zhou is taking office, and everyone wants to steal your limelight."

Zhou Xia looked very embarrassed, "I'm afraid that after I've expressed my personal opinion first, it will affect Master Xu and his team's judgment. This is very unfavorable to the overall appraisal result. Whether the auction is given or whether the goods are genuine is related to the image of our auction company, it's better to be cautious."

"This kid is really shameless! I think he is guilty. It is true that he wants to get help from Xu Zhendong and Liu Yuqing. No matter what he says, he can't let him succeed." Zhou Nanming cursed in his heart.

However, Zhou Nanming was still very humble on the surface, but he didn't rest on his lips and said with a smile, "Master Xu and Manager Liu are both people who have been through the battlefield for a long time. How could they be easily affected by others? Let's talk about your opinions first!"

Unexpectedly, Xu Zhendong nodded in agreement with a smile and said, "I think Zhou Xia's words make sense. The big pot with yellow and green glaze was a pity that I was careful and specifically told him not to mention the appraisal results first, and let me tell you after the appraisal. Otherwise, it would be affected by his appraisal results. Zhou Xia was very powerful. Not only did he accurately identify the age, but at the moment of my appraisal, he and Yu Qing both made the publicity and planning."

Liu Yuqing also nodded and said, "I'll take a look first, so as not to disturb his mind by his results. Later, let Zhou Xia talk about his identification results first, and let's see if everyone's opinions are consistent."

After hearing what Liu Yuqing said, Zhou Nanming felt it was acceptable, and Xu Zhendong and the others had already started to do identification. Zhou Nanming could only pinch his nose and accept it, "It's good!"

Zhou Xia still frowned and said, "This work is really a bit difficult to grasp, and I have to think about it carefully."

Zhou Nanming said repeatedly, "Don't worry, the most important thing is to identify the correct appraisal. After all, we must also be responsible for the items we took."

Zhou Xia made a thoughtful statement and did not take him back at all. Liu Yuqing and Xu Zhendong were busy doing appraisals and had no time to pay attention to him. Zhou Nanming wanted to turn the blame on Zhou Xia, but he also declared a failure and fell into a state of embarrassment. Fortunately, except for Wang Chao and others, several parties involved did not notice his embarrassment.

Zhou Nanming's mood quickly recovered as usual. Seeing Xu Zhendong and the others doing the appraisal, they also communicated quietly from time to time. However, their communication was not loud, and he couldn't hear clearly even when he stood closer. Zhou Xia, who was standing further apart, shouldn't hear him. He looked at Zhou Xia from the corner of his eyes from time to time, thinking that if they had finished appraisal, they would see if you had any excuses to escape.

"Master Xu, Yuqing, are you ready to make an appraisal? This time, Zhou Xia can tell you about his appraisal results first!" Seeing the two of them put down the painting, Zhou Nanming couldn't wait to ask.

Liu Yuqing said calmly, "Master Xu and I have almost finished the appraisal. Zhou Xia, do you want to take a look?"

Zhou Xia smiled self-deprecatingly, "It is purely to ask me to appraise ancient calligraphy and paintings, and it is useless to watch them more. Since Mr. Zhou is so eager to know the result, I will talk about my personal opinion, hoping to achieve the effect of throwing bricks and attracting jade. My personal honor is not important. The most important thing is that everyone appraised this painting accurately and did not affect the image of the company."

"We are all looking forward to Teacher Zhou's opinion!" Zhou Nanming said quickly. For the first time, he felt that Zhou Xia was so good at speaking nonsense. At this time, he still refused to let go of responsibility.

;
Chapter completed!