A renowned painter and his maid were held for several hours by four men in Beijing before they stole valuables on Sunday. One even fled the scene in the artist's car.

Wu Dongkui, 50, was forced at knifepoint to sign three IOUs totaling 470,000 yuan (US$56,400) at his home, reported the Beijing Times newspaper.

One of the suspected kidnappers, Zhao Liang, was an acquaintance of Wu, the newspaper said.

Around 11am on Sunday, Wu was working on a painting in his studio when Zhao arrived. Zhao said he came to say goodbye before a trip to his hometown. The newspaper didn't identify Zhao's hometown.

Zhao left after 10 minutes. Less than five minutes later, Zhao rang the doorbell. The maid, the only other person home, opened the door.

"A smiling Zhao said 'Mr Wu, I'd like you to meet three friends,"' the paper quoted Wu as saying.

In no time, three young men entered the house, pounced on Wu and controlled him before he knew what happened.

The maid was entering her room when one man in black grabbed her and restricted her in an armchair.

Sensing a kidnap, Wu asked the young men, "What do you want to do here?"

The three strangers said nothing and each pulled out a chopper.

Then the man in black inspected every room and cut phone lines. The four demanded cash, but Wu said he had none at home.

Wu was asked to sign three IOUs.

"I owe nothing, I won't sign," said Wu. One man cut Wu's left wrist.

"Be quick or we'll chop off your hand," he said and stuffed a pen into his hand.

The kidnappers also forced the painter to leave his fingerprints on the IOU to guarantee authenticity.

They also found the key to his Audi in the bedroom and Zhao reportedly drove away alone at 12:20pm.

The trio stole his wife's jewelry. They also found more than 2,000 yuan (US$240).

Around 2pm, the kidnappers left the home after tying up both Wu and the maid.

The horrified artist freed himself 40 minutes later and called for help.

(Shanghai Daily May 12, 2004)