North Korean art sells in China despite UN sanctions over nuclear programme

Visitors to the Beijing Art Exposition pass by a booth displaying North Korean paintings run by The Paintings Say Arirang gallery that trumpets itself as China's premier seller of North Korean art, in Beijing. The gallery's existence and conspicuous sales tactics, experts say, highlight China's lax enforcement of UN sanctions targetting North Korea to stymie Pyongyang's nuclear programme. Photo: AP

For sale at a recent Beijing art exposition was a painting with an asking price of US$2,460 (RM11,635) that depicted the snow-capped Mount Paektu, the mythical birthplace of the Korean people.

A portrait of a prim young lady in bright brushstrokes was being sold for US$5,190 (RM24,546). For buyers on a budget, there were colourful landscapes being offered for less than US$100 (RM473).