When lower level government officials are the gift-givers, the purchases are usually made with state money, or are paid for by private entrepreneurs. “The government officials are not really buying it  they have modest incomes,” said Radha Chadha, co-author of “The Cult of the Luxury Brand” and an expert on luxury brands in Asia. “Somebody else does the buying and gifts the stuff to them.”

That is what is apparently happening in Beijing this month as party cadres and their friends search out brand names like Ferragamo, Dior and Cartier. Luxury companies celebrate these few weeks for the holiday-like boost in sales they provide.

But China publicly condemns such corruption. When asked whether such gift-giving takes place, Chinese officials offer strong denials.

“Where have you heard this crazy news?” said Jiang Hongbo, a media relations official working with delegates from Heilongjiang Province in northeast China.

Yang Zhi, a liaison official from the Xinjiang region in far western China, was more indignant. “Do you think it’s possible we are busy sending gifts and hobnobbing with officials during such serious meetings?” he said.

Publicly, big luxury brands are tight-lipped about the practice of gift-giving in China. Louis Vuitton declined to comment this week, as did Salvatore Ferragamo. Many other leading brands did not return phone calls.

Jonathan Seliger, managing director in China for Dunhill, was circumspect when asked about purchases intended for government officials. “Dunhill has always been a popular brand among Chinese businessmen and government officials,” he said.