The international auction house hopes to make a big statement with the opening of an office in Beijing, following on from its presence in Shanghai.

Christie's, the global auctioneer, is to open a flagship office space in Beijing, with works by Pablo Picasso providing the backdrop for the event.

The auction house, like its peers, has made a push into the Asian market to tap the rise of an affluent middle class. Its Beijing office will officially open on 15 October. The new premises are at 82 Jinbao Street and cover three floors and over 800 square metres.

The opening follows the unveiling of Christie’s Shanghai office at the historical Ampire building in 2014.

An exhibition of six works by Picasso will be unveiled for the grand opening; the exhibition will explore the artist’s oeuvre - the themes and muses that populated his art throughout his prolific career, as well as Picasso’s connection to Chinese artists.