Under the hammer: Fab four auction sales (December 2025)

Red rocks dazzle collectors, streamliner secures F1 auction record, Magritte masterpiece flies high at sale & walking tribute to Giacometti’s legacy

Ruby Rising

The Sunrise Ruby, a superb 25.59-carat Burmese gemstone set in a Cartier ring flanked by diamonds, made history when it sold for US$30.3 million (HK$235.5 million) at Sotheby’s Geneva back in 2015. A decade ago, this amounted to a world record for the most expensive ruby sold at auction, as well as the highest price ever paid for a coloured gemstone and a Cartier jewel.

The ruby’s name is inspired by a poem by 13th-century Sufi mystic Rumi, adding a layer of poetic allure to its legacy. Its sale served to elevate rubies to new heights of prestige. Their rarity and radiance as the gemstones of royalty strike a chord with collectors, especially in Asia, where the colour symbolises joy and good fortune.

The Sunrise Ruby is classified as ‘pigeon’s blood’ red, the most coveted hue for rubies, and is untreated, significantly enhancing its value.

This sumptuous jewel has since been pipped as the most expensive ruby ring sold by Sotheby’s. That honour is now claimed by the Estela de Fura, an immense 55.22-carat ruby which sold for US$34.8 million in 2023.

Fast & Glorious

A 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamlinienwagen became the most valuable Grand Prix car ever sold at auction when it rolled off the RM Sotheby’s block for €51.2 million (HK$458.4 million) in Stuttgart earlier this year. One of four known complete examples mounted with the original enclosed-fender coachwork at the conclusion of the 1955 Formula One season, this rare racer is celebrated for its pivotal role in motorsport history. The model’s streamlined body reduced drag and enhanced speed – an innovation that helped Mercedes dominate the racing scene in the mid-1950s.

Powered by a 2.5-litre straight-eight engine with fuel injection, the W 196 R Streamliner delivered exceptional performance and engineering precision. It was driven by legendary racers, including Juan Manuel Fangio, who steered the car to victory in the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix.

The Streamliner’s lightweight aluminium construction and advanced suspension system made it a technical marvel of its time. Its record-breaking sale underscores the enduring appeal of vintage motorsport engineering and the prestige associated with Mercedes-Benz’s racing legacy.

Statue of Mystery

René Magritte’s La Statue Volante (v) is a hauntingly poetic example of surrealist mastery, reflecting the artist’s enduring fascination with paradox and the uncanny. Painted during a mature phase of his career, it distils signature themes the Belgian began exploring in the 1920s and 1930s: dislocation, mystery and the subversion of reality.

In this 1958 iteration, Magritte’s iconic Venus de Milo motif is seen grounded in the foreground – a symbol of classical permanence set against the turbulent backdrop of a storm at sea, where a lone ship is battered by the waves. Such unexpected and inexplicable contrasts –characteristic of the artist – arouse provocative musings on the boundaries between the real and the imagined.

After remaining in the hands of English contemporary art collector Pauline Karpidas for more than 40 years, the work made its auction debut at Sotheby’s London in September this year. The star lot of an evening sale, it secured £10.12 million (HK$103.4 million), affirming its status as a surrealist icon and a collector’s treasure.

Go Figure

Alberto Giacometti’s L’Homme qui marche (The Walking Man) is one of the most iconic sculptures of the 20th century, embodying existential themes through its elongated, textured form. A second edition of the cast sold for a mammoth US$104.3 million (HK$813.1 million) back in 2010, assuming its place as the most expensive sculpture sold at auction. It was toppled from the top spot five years later by another Giacometti masterpiece, L’Homme au doigt (Pointing Man).

The Swiss sculptor created a series of walking figures in the 1960s, each capturing the tension between motion and stillness. Cast in bronze, The Walking Man strides forward with haunting fragility and determination, reflecting Giacometti’s exploration of isolation and resilience. It stands six feet high, yet its slender proportions evoke vulnerability rather than grandeur.

With few casts in circulation, collectors regard The Walking Man as a pinnacle of modern sculpture. Its presence in a private collection or museum signifies a deep appreciation for Giacometti’s philosophical and artistic legacy – a legacy that continues to challenge and inspire audiences worldwide.

Under the hammer: Fab Three auction sales (November 2025)

Muse Bouche

Pablo Picasso’s Buste de Femme (1944), an emotionally charged work depicting his muse and fellow Surrealist Dora Maar, set a new auction record for the artist in Asia when it fetched a hefty HK$196.75 million (US$25.4 million) at Christie’s Hong Kong in September. Painted near the end of the four-year Nazi occupation of Paris during the Second World War, the portrait stands as a striking testament to the artist’s emotional intensity and wartime resilience.

Maar’s likeness is captured in a fragmented style. Her face is divided into bold, angular planes – one eye alert and expressive, the other obscured – and her mouth appears in profile, all suggestive of inner turmoil and psychological depth. Vivid hues of red, green and blue swirl across the canvas, enhancing the drama of her stylised features. Her ornate headwear adds a theatrical touch, reinforcing the surreal tension of the composition.

Buste de Femme reflects Picasso’s defiance and introspection during a time of global upheaval. Its handsome sale price underscores the enduring power and relevance of his wartime creations, and the continued fascination with Maar’s enigmatic presence in his oeuvre.

Indelible Ink

Depicting an idyllic utopia framed by mountains, Zhang Daqian’s In Search of Paradise (1981) showcases the globetrotting Chinese artist’s signature splashed-ink technique at its expressive peak. Painted after he settled in Taiwan, this late-career masterpiece reflects Zhang’s deep engagement with traditional Chinese landscape painting, reimagined through a modern, abstract lens. The composition is dreamlike – the mountains dissolve into mist, and washes of ink and colour blend seamlessly to evoke a sense of spiritual transcendence.

Hailed as one of the most influential Chinese artists of the 20th century, Zhang developed this unique style after his eyesight began to deteriorate. He embraced bold experimentation, using splashed ink and colour to convey mood and atmosphere over precise detail.

The star lot at a Christie’s Hong Kong auction held earlier this year, this scroll sold for HK$14.29 million (US$1.84 million), significantly exceeding its low estimate of HK$10 million. Its success underscores Zhang’s enduring appeal among collectors and scholars alike, affirming his legacy as a visionary who reshaped the trajectory of Chinese ink painting.

Venice Flood

Venice, the Return of the Bucintoro on Ascension Day by Canaletto spurred a fiercely competitive bidding war at Christie’s London this summer, soaring to £31.9 million (HK$336.6 million). This astounding result – the second-highest price for an Old Master in the auction house’s history – surprised some experts who consider it a rather conventional work. Others suggest the high price was driven by its status as a perfect trophy piece for art connoisseurs.

The artist is revered for his views of Venice, and painted in the 1730s, this picture depicts the important Ascension Day festival in which a procession of ships, led by the Doge’s magnificent Bucintoro, marks the symbolic marriage of the city with the sea. Veteran dealer Robert Simon describes it as an ideal Canaletto, citing its grand scale, energetic composition, and broad appeal to collectors beyond the Old Master field.

Contributing to the work’s allure is an illustrious provenance, including British Prime Minister Robert Walpole, who displayed it at his residence, 10 Downing Street in London. Its extreme scarcity is also a major factor; no comparable work has appeared since it last sold in 1993.

Under the hammer: Fab Three auction sales (October 2025)

Queen’s Diamond

In a landmark event that captivated the global jewellery community, the magnificent Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond achieved a spectacular result at Christie’s New York, realising US$13.9 million (HK$108.3 million). Set into a contemporary ring by cult Paris-based jeweller JAR, the stone is steeped in European royal history, beginning with Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France.

Thought to have been smuggled out of Paris in 1791, the diamond’s designation comes from a succession of aristocratic owners. Marie Antoinette’s daughter, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Angoulême, passed it to her niece, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Chambord, who in turn gifted it to her niece, Queen Marie Theresa of Bavaria. Its extraordinary character perfectly complements the elegance of a bygone era that its name evokes.

The breathtaking purple-pink kite-shaped diamond is a true phenomenon of nature, weighing 10.38 carats and highlighted by a character of brilliance and fire. The New York hammer price not only solidifies its status as a legend, but also underscores the continued supremacy of rare coloured diamonds.

Superstar Supercar

A one-of-a-kind Ferrari Daytona SP3 shattered records at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, going for an astonishing US$26 million (HK$202.7 million) – the highest price ever achieved for a new Ferrari at public auction. This bespoke model, dubbed the ‘599+1’, was commissioned beyond the original 599-unit production run and sold to benefit the Ferrari Foundation.

The car’s striking two-tone exterior features exposed carbon fibre and Giallo Modena livery, with the first-ever full-length Ferrari logotype emblazoned across the body – a bold design statement that blends heritage with innovation. The cabin, meanwhile, showcases the marque’s commitment to both luxury and the environment. It is finished in Q-Cycle, a sustainable fabric made from recycled tyres, complemented by yellow seatbelts and embroidered Prancing Horse motifs.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine, the SP3 delivers 829 horsepower, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds. This sale not only marked a milestone in automotive history but also underscored Ferrari’s philanthropic vision, with the tailor-made Daytona racing to a new home as a symbol of speed, style and social impact.

Mars Attracts!

The largest Martian meteorite discovered on Earth has become the most valuable chunk of rock from outer space sold at auction. NWA 16788, named for Northwest Africa where it was recovered, garnered a hefty US$5.3 million (HK$41.3 million) at Sotheby’s in New York. Weighing 54 pounds (24.7 kilograms), it is 70% larger than any other known Martian specimen.

Scientists believe it was blasted off that planet by an asteroid strike, travelling 140 million miles (225 million kilometres) before landing in the sand of the Sahara Desert in Niger. Found in 2023, its red-brown colouration is indicative of its origin and its pristine condition is suggestive of a relatively recent arrival.

Only about 400 Martian meteorites have ever been documented, most of them tiny fragments. NWA 16788 is a rare exception, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity for collectors and researchers alike. Its sale sparked controversy, however. Angry questions have been raised about provenance and international trafficking, with the Niger authorities investigating whether it was exported through illicit channels.

Under the hammer: Fab Four auction sales (September 2025)

Four remarkable lots that impressed bidders in recent auctions are featured in this month’s Look Section: legendary tiara shines anew; Basquiat’s bold street cred appreciated; architect’s table lamp in spotlight & sculpture of despair yields joy

Astor Revisited

A Bonhams London auction this summer brought back to light one of Cartier’s most storied creations – the Astor Turquoise and Diamond Tiara. Purchased by Waldorf Astor in 1930 for his wife, Nancy Astor, the first woman to sit in the British Parliament, this masterpiece blends political history with exquisite craftsmanship. The tiara showcases vibrant turquoise carved into elegant plumes and foliage, framed by brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds that shimmer with period charm. Its Eastern-inspired motifs reflect Cartier’s flair for opulent design during the Art Deco era.

More than just ornamentation, this tiara symbolised the American-born Viscountess Astor’s groundbreaking role in British society. It hadn’t surfaced publicly since then, making its £889,400 (HK$9.3 million) sale a landmark event for collectors and historians alike. A beacon of female empowerment and artistic vision, it remains an enduring testament to Cartier’s legacy – and to a woman who dared to redefine her place in history.

Whether worn, displayed or admired in auction catalogues, the Astor Tiara reminds us that high jewellery isn’t just about sparkle; it’s about stories carved in stone and precious metal.

Untitled Youth

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (1981) is a frenetic portrayal of a mythical figure seemingly entering battle, scrawled in oilstick on paper. Created when the American artist was just 20 years old, the piece channels his graffiti roots and neo-expressionist style into a raw meditation on race, mortality and identity, reflecting his experience as a young Black man navigating the elite art world. It marked the beginning of a two-year period when Basquiat moved from street artist to mainstream. Many critics judge this early period to be his best, and these Untitled works have achieved high prices at auction.

Having been secured in a private collection since 1989, this particular piece re-entered the market with a bang – selling at Sotheby’s in New York for a staggering US$16.4 million (HK$128.7 million). Remaining a cultural flashpoint, its chaotic lines and vibrant palette speak to the urgency of Basquiat’s vision. His early works, including the record-breaking Untitled skull of 1982, aren’t just paintings; they form a collective manifesto daring viewers to confront the beauty and brutality of existence.

Enlightened Wright

A new benchmark for design history was set earlier this year when Frank Lloyd Wright’s Double-Pedestal Table Lamp sold for a record-breaking US$7.5 million (HK$58.9 million) at Sotheby’s in New York. Originally created around 1903 for US philanthropist Susan Lawrence Dana’s house in Springfield, Illinois, the lamp is one of only three ever made – and the only one ever offered at public auction.

Crafted from iridised and opalescent glass, brass-plated zinc and bronze, the lamp’s architectural silhouette echoes Wright’s Prairie style. Its geometric shade, inspired by the sumac plant, shifts in colour from green to amber depending on the light. Hinged side panels evoke Japanese shoji screens, reflecting Wright’s admiration for Eastern design.

More than a lighting fixture, the lamp embodies Wright’s philosophy of total design, in which architecture, furniture and décor form a unified whole. Commissioned by Dana with a “blank cheque”, the lamp was part of a radical reimagining of domestic space. This sale not only crowned Wright’s most valuable object at auction, but also reaffirmed his enduring influence on American design and modernist aesthetics.

Rodin Reaction

A white marble sculpture by Auguste Rodin, long dismissed as a copy, sold for €860,000 (HK$7.8 million) in west-central France this summer, stunning the art world. Le Désespoir (Despair), sculpted in 1892-93, channels the intensity of emotional suffering into a quietly powerful form. It portrays a nude woman seated with her torso collapsed inward, holding her foot out in one arm. The posture radiates tension and isolation, as if her entire body were weighed down by grief. Though modest in size, at 28.6cm high, the anatomical precision and emotional depth give it tremendous presence.

The piece was originally intended to be part of Rodin’s epic work, The Gates of Hell, inspired by Dante’s Inferno, yet it stands alone as a haunting meditation on despair and human vulnerability. For decades, it sat unrecognised atop a piano in France. But in June, after authentication by the Comité Rodin, it was thrust into the spotlight and sold at auction at Château de Villandry. The winning bidder was a young US banker, captivated by the sculpture’s quiet power and remarkable story of rediscovery.

Under the hammer: Fab Four auction sales (August 2025)

Razor Edge

Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong is shining a spotlight on A Vanitas, an audacious jewellery capsule collection that fuses the 17th-century Dutch vanitas art tradition with modern rebellion. Created by renowned goldsmith Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s bassist-cum-fashion designer Guy Berryman, the pieces feature striking blue sapphires and bold motifs, including reimagined razor blades – symbols of life’s fleeting beauty. Inspired by Martin’s boundary-pushing aesthetic and Berryman’s design vision, they serve as wearable meditations on seizing the moment.

Highlights include a yellow-gold razor necklace, a sleek signet ring and a daring bangle reminiscent of a hospital ID tag, all imbued with contemporary spirit. Presented alongside a selection of the London jeweller’s past creations, the collection challenges conventions and invites conversation about mortality and vitality. Sotheby’s Maison, smartly ensconced within Landmark Chater in Central, elevates the experience with immersive displays and curated retail spaces, offering connoisseurs the chance to own a piece of this rebellious yet refined narrative. It’s a collection that truly says, “Now or never.”

Bag of Gold

In a fashion frenzy, Hermès’ inaugural Birkin fetched a staggering €8.6 million (HK$78.5 million) at the Sotheby’s Paris Fashion Icons auction last month, smashing previous handbag records and sealing its place in luxury legend. Carried daily for a decade by its namesake owner before it was donated to a charity auction, the worn yet iconic prototype ignited a bidding war, starting at €1 million and soaring past €7 million before it was clinched at this elevated price. The winner? A private collector from Japan, whose victory underscores the bag’s global allure.

This historic sale eclipses the previous record held by a diamond-studded Kelly 28, which sold for HK$4 million in 2021. The first Birkin, completed in 1984 after a chance airline encounter between the British-born, French-cinema star Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, was intended as a functional yet stylish tote for a young mother. Now, it’s a priceless piece of fashion history – and a testament to how luxury can truly reach new heights. Who knew a handbag with a late actress’s nail clipper attached to its strap could be worth its weight in gold?

Body of Work

British figurative artist Jenny Saville is once again making waves, this time with her striking charcoal drawing, Mirror (2011-12), which shattered auction records at Sotheby’s London. Measuring more than 1.5 by 2 metres, the monumental work reimagines the reclining nude, fusing multiple intertwined figures into a dense composition that draws inspiration from titans like Titian, Manet and Picasso. Its unparalleled £2.11 million (HK$22.2 million) sale underscores Saville’s evolving mastery of the female form.

Known for her visceral oil paintings that challenge conventional beauty standards, Saville has recently embraced charcoal’s immediacy – a shift influenced by motherhood and a desire for spontaneity. Her current London retrospective,

The Anatomy of Painting, which runs at the National Portrait Gallery until 7 September, is the largest major museum exhibition in the UK dedicated to a leading contemporary painter. Offering a rare glimpse into her ongoing quest to redefine the human body in art, it showcases 45 works spanning the 55-year-old’s career so far. Saville continues to reshape the canvas of figurative art.

Surreal Soar

Animal, vegetable, sculptural – in a world where furniture and art collide, Les Lalanne’s whimsical creations continue to enchant collectors and investors alike. Bronze sheep you can sit on, a cabbage perched atop the legs of a bird, or geese supporting a glass dining table – fantasy blurred into function in the French duo’s surreal universe. Over the decades from first meeting in 1952 to marrying in 1967 to their passing in 2008 and 2019 respectively, François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne transformed everyday objects into botanical and animal-inspired masterpieces that challenged perception.

The market buzz of the sculpting couple has skyrocketed recently. At Sotheby’s New York in June, the towering Grand Rhinocrétaire II, a bronze rhinoceros that unfolds into a desk, sold for a whopping US$16.4 million (HK$128.7 million) – more than triple its high estimate and the second-highest Lalanne auction price ever. Just the month before, their Bar aux Autruches (Ostrich Bar) fetched €11.1 million (HK$101.6 million) in Paris. As Les Lalanne’s works continue to command record-breaking figures, their whimsical worlds prove that in art and design, fantasy truly pays off.

Under the hammer: Fab Four auction sales (July 2025)

Resplendent Regent

Asensational 35.09-carat sapphire ring sparked a bidding war at a recent sale in Hong Kong. In a packed auction room bedazzled by the beauty of this magnificent jewel known as The Regent Kashmir, two mesmerised collectors went head to head, raising the asking price to well within the HK$65 million to $95 million estimate. The star lot eventually sold for a colossal HK$74.7 million (US$9.5 million), achieving a new per-carat record of US$271,515 for a sapphire at auction.

With this fall of the hammer, the antique cushion-shaped sapphire set in a platinum and diamond ring notched up the further accolades of most valuable gem auctioned in Asia this season, and most valuable sapphire sold anywhere in the world so far this year. It came with reports attesting to its ‘royal blue’ colour, origin, weight, clarity and absence of heat enhancement.

Many gemologists consider Kashmir sapphires to be the finest in the world. Their velvety blue hue, glowing intensity and a certain softness render them particularly appealing. This allure, combined with their rarity, accounts for the long-time desire by the well-heeled to have them on hand.

Circle of Time

The auction of a highly significant historical clock built by F.P. Journe for Breguet in 1991 had Geneva abuzz when it was claimed by the maker himself who sat on the front row. Adding to the drama was the sum he paid – an astonishing 5.5 million Swiss francs (HK$52.7 million), far above the anticipated price and representing a world record for a modern sympathique clock.

Crafted by Journe when he helmed visionary workshop Techniques Horlogères Appliquées, the Pendule Sympathique Clock No. 1 pays homage to Breguet’s watchmaking legacy. The beautiful instrument of time recaptures a forgotten complication. Standing at a height of 255mm and made from 18-carat yellow gold, the clock was paired with a Breguet gold tourbillon wristwatch as part of Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XXI.

The sale, which featured timepieces spanning more than 150 years from Switzerland, Germany, England and France, raised US$52 million in total. Its success reaffirms the enduring appeal of great watchmaking, according to Phillips’ spokesperson Tiffany To. Collectors who were outbid for the prized clock will be able to admire it at the upcoming F.P. Journe museum in Geneva.

Pumpkin Queen

Asuperb example of Yayoi Kusama’s signature pumpkin paintings caused a flurry of bids when it was auctioned in Hong Kong earlier this year. Pumpkin (HRU), an acrylic on canvas created by the iconic Japanese artist in 2014, had been given a pre-auction estimate of HK$25 million to $35 million, but enthusiastic bidding tipped the final asking price over this mark. It changed hands for a substantial HK$39.1 million (US$5 million).

The work, which is signed, titled, titled again in Japanese, and dated on the reverse side, was originally purchased by celebrated British art dealer Victoria Miro in London. Additionally, a 2016 small pumpkin sculpture in mirror-polished bronze was sold for HK$13.7 million during this evening sale of 20th- and 21st-century art.

This latest successful sale of works by Kusama attests to the enduring appeal of Japan’s grande dame of Pop Art, who is still active today at 96 years old. Pumpkins have featured prominently in her output over the decades, appearing in installations and many large-scale sculptures as well as paintings.

Staying on Script

The right to own a late Yuan Dynasty scroll set off an astonishing bidding battle at Sotheby’s Hong Kong. More than 200 bids were placed at the recent auction of Calligraphy in Cursive Script penned by the 14th-century poet and calligrapher Rao Jie, delaying hammer fall for a mammoth 95 minutes. Multiple telephone and in-room bidders pushed the final price of the ancient handscroll to HK$250 million (US$32 million), an incredible 20 times its presale estimate.

Undoubtedly the auction result represents a major fillip to the Chinese art market, which has flagged over the past five years. In this rare treasure which once belonged in the Qing imperial collection, Rao transcribed two literary classics, Han Yu’s Farewell to Meng Dongye and Liu Zongyuan’s The Tale of the Carpenter. It stretches almost 10 metres in length and has more than 100 seals.

According to Steven Zuo, Head of Fine Classical Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy at Sotheby’s Asia, works from the Yuan Dynasty are particularly prized for their rarity, and he also noted that this lot was the most valuable Chinese calligraphy ever sold at Sotheby’s.

Four Covetable Treasures: Van Cleef Rarity, Record Vase, Master Cézanne, Ambani Dominion

Alhambra Glamour

French jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance, offers a selection of rare and collectible bracelets that epitomise luxury. Each piece is a testament to the maison’s rich heritage and commitment to artistry. Crafted from the finest materials, including gold, platinum and precious gemstones, their intricate designs are often inspired by nature – from flowers and butterflies to stars. The iconic Alhambra bracelet, for instance, festooned with delicate four-leaf-clover motifs in mother-of-pearl, is particularly sought-after, and symbolises good luck and fortune.

These jewels not only serve as stunning fashion statements but also as investment items, appreciating in value over time due to their limited availability and exceptional quality. The brand’s unique savoir-faire, such as the patented ‘Mystery Set’ method of embedding gems in gleaming metal without the latter being visible, ensures that each bracelet is not only beautiful but also a marvel of artisanal technique. Collectors and enthusiasts alike cherish these rare pieces for their ability to blend artistry with functionality.

Pinner Prize

Widely acclaimed as the most expensive antique sold at auction, the Pinner Qing Dynasty vase is a remarkable artefact from China’s imperial history, exemplifying the artistic mastery of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Thought to date from the Qianlong period (1736-1795), the 16-inch-high yellow-and-blue vessel fronted by goldfish motifs had been displayed for years on a mantelpiece in Pinner, a suburb of London, England, by a family who had no idea of its worth. Discovered by auctioneers during a routine house clearance, it fetched a record-smashing sum of £43 million (HK$444 million) in 2010.

Often characterised by intricate designs, vibrant colours and detailed craftsmanship, fine porcelain Qing vases are highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs alike. They typically feature elaborate decorations that often depict scenes from nature, such as flowers, birds and mythical creatures. These elements reflect the aesthetic principles of the time, which emphasised harmony and balance with nature. The use of underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome is prominent, showcasing the skilful artistry of the period potters.

Mumbai Magnificence

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s residence, Antilia, is an architectural spectacle. Located on Altamount Road in Mumbai, India, this 27-storey skyscraper completed in 2010 stands as one of the most luxurious private homes in the world. Befitting Asia’s richest man, it has a reported value of more than US$4 billion (HK$31 billion). Designed by Chicago firm Perkins and Will, the building spans 400,000 square feet and features a unique combination of modern and traditional Indian design elements.

Antilia’s grandeur and architectural innovation have captivated visitors and locals alike, establishing it as a remarkable landmark in Mumbai. The home boasts an array of extravagant amenities, including a garage capable of accommodating some 168 cars, a health spa, meditation rooms, a ballroom, and even a snow room that generates artificial snow. There are also three helipads, swimming pools and lush gardens spread across various levels, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Sustainable design practices have been implemented, including rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems.

Card Sharp

Exemplifying Paul Cézanne’s innovative approach to form, colour and composition, The Card Players series of five oil paintings completed between 1890 and 1895 marks a significant transition from traditional representation to modern art. The works depict farmhands in Provence – some from the French artist’s family estate – engrossed in a game of cards, set against a muted backdrop that emphasises the figures’ concentration and the simplicity of their surroundings.

Cézanne’s use of geometric shapes and vibrant, yet subdued colours conveys a sense of depth and structure, drawing the eye to the interactions between the players. The stillness of the scene creates a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to ponder the relationships and dynamics at play. Each version of The Card Players features distinct arrangements and colour palettes, showcasing the artist’s ability to reinterpret a common subject matter repeatedly while infusing it with his unique style.

The series has garnered significant attention, making it one of Cézanne’s most celebrated works. Its influence extends beyond painting and has impacted future movements.

Under the hammer: Fab Four auction sales (May 2025)

Four sensational lots that captured the imagination at auction include a dazzling alexandrite ring, a masterpiece by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a beautiful dragon vase, and a Declaration of Independence print.

Alexandrinte Allure

Dazzling a packed auction house in New York into a flurry of bids, a stunning 16.53-carat alexandrite ring was snapped up by telephone for a sensational US$1.92 million (HK$14.9 million). Such was the intense interest in this gorgeous gem that the final asking price was almost five times the pre-auction low estimate and set a new auction record for alexandrite. It represents the astronomical sum of US$116,152 per carat.

Set in a ring embellished with round and baguette diamonds, the oval-shaped alexandrite was certified as classic Brazilian in origin with no indications of treatment. Its AGL (American Gemological Laboratories) report came with a letter attesting to the rarity and quality of the stone, while a separate Gübelin document vouched for its high degree of transparency and distinctive colour-changing effect.

The chameleon-like properties of alexandrites – first unearthed in Russia in the early 19th century and named after Tsar Alexender II – are undoubtedly part of their appeal. They shift from green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light.

Saturday Special

A masterpiece by Jean-Michel Basquiat stole the show at auction during Hong Kong Art Week in March, going for a small fortune. The sale of Sabado por la Noche (Saturday Night), a complex composition laid down in 1984, had been highly anticipated and a swift series of bids for the prized lot raised the price to a mighty HK$112.6 million (US$14.5 million). The work thus lived up to its billing as the most valuable to be presented at auction in Asia during the spring sales.

Striking in format and visually arresting with its rich colours and multi-layered structure, the painting reflects Basquiat’s signature style, immediately catching the eye with its vibrant imagery. On a canvas of magenta, yellow and emerald-green hues, an intricate pattern of strokes outlines the shape of two griots. These are oral storytellers in the West African tradition. Born in New York of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent, the neo-expressionist was himself considered to be a griot. A spokesperson for the auction house commented that it was an honour to bring a work of such quality to the Asian market, and the result underscored the sustained regional demand for blue-chip Western masterpieces.

Double Glaze

A spectacular blue-and-white and copper-red ‘dragon’ vase from the Qianlong period caused tremendous excitement when it hit the auction block at Bonhams’ New York this spring. The top lot sold for US$3.69 million (HK$28.62 million), more than six times its high estimate. This mammoth price came after an intense bidding war for a delicate piece of Chinese cultural heritage.

Standing at a height of 55.2 centimetres, the object of desire is a tianqiuping (celestial sphere) vase, characterised by its globular body and elegant waisted cylindrical neck. In this particular instance, it sports rare and eye-catching dragon-and-cloud decoration. Fired in the Jingdezhen kilns, the vessel depicts three muscular three-claw dragons in prized red underglaze seemingly floating in the clouds as they fight over a ‘flaming pearl’. The only other similar vase known to Chinese porcelain aficionados resides in the Palace Museum in Beijing.

The auction house’s recent Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art series also included an exceptional carved celadon-glazed bottle vase from the Yongzheng period decorated with two phoenix and a chilong (hornless dragon), which fetched US$1.75 million.

Borth of USA

A rare and highly significant printing of the Declaration of Independence changed hands for US$2.4 million at auction in New York. Known as the Exeter Broadside, it is one of only 10 still in existence from a total of 13 sheets published by Robert Luist Fowle in July 1776. While attaining the third highest price ever paid for a copy of this historic document at auction, this recent sale still falls far short of the record for a Declaration of Independence broadside, set at US$8.1 million in June 2000 for an edition by the official Congress printer John Dunlap.

Regarded as the founding document of the United States of America, the Declaration of Independence is held up as the defining moment in the history of the country. It lists a litany of grievances against the British crown as justification for the bid to free the-then 13 colonies from Britain’s control. The Declaration was issued on 4 July 1776 following an intense three-day debate at the Continental Congress.

A spokesperson for the auction house declared that this rare printing of the Declaration signified a cornerstone of US history and captures the bold spirit of a nation in its infancy.

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (October 2024)

Four amazing lots that captivated recent auctions include a Van Cleef & Arpels tie necklace, a bronze head of Eros, a Babe Ruth baseball jersey, and a masterpiece by Yoshitomo Nara.

White Tie: Van Cleef tassel necklace dazzles

A rare Van Cleef & Arpels tie necklace shone brightly at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sales in New York. Heralding from the late 1920s-early 1930s, the lot caused a major stir at the auction house and stimulated a six-minute seven-way bidding war, eventually going for US$3.6 million (HK$28.06 million). In a testament to the item’s rarity, the final price was fully three times greater than the pre-auction high estimate of US$1.2 million. Festooned with diamonds, it attained the highest price of a sensational sale of jewels owned by a distinguished American collector, in which eight pieces sold for more than US$1 million.

The important necklace raised the interest of bidders not only for its beauty and artistry but also because of its historical significance. Featuring graduated links set with variously cut stones and two elongated tassels that partially rotate, it is considered a fine example of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Art Deco style, perfectly encapsulating the era’s signature design characteristics.

A favourite of movie stars in Hollywood’s golden age, this type of tie necklace has an appealing versatility. It can adorn the décolletage, drape over one shoulder or decorate a dramatic backless gown.

Bronzed God: Bidders worship head of Eros

A superb Greek bronze head of Eros captivated collectors at Christie’s Exceptional Sale in London, resulting in a whopping final bid of £1.86 million (HK$19.1 million). The winning price represented a massive mark-up for the sculpted masterpiece, more than doubling its pre-auction estimate of £550,000 – £750,000.

Measuring just over nine inches high with its head tilted slightly to the left, the bust is thought to originate from the Hellenistic period, circa 2nd-1st century BC. It was during this time that Greek art portrayed varying stages of the human experience including childhood, and works dedicated to Eros, especially cherubic depictions, were popular.

This homage to the god of love in Greek mythology – who was often linked with the goddess Aphrodite – continued into the Roman period, though the fine casting of its facial features and intricacies of its locks of hair almost certainly place this piece in the late Hellenistic period. It is noteworthy for its elaborate hairstyle, a partial melon coiffure with overlapping curls at the sides of the face and flowing down the back of the head.

The bust was previously sold by Christie’s just over 50 years ago.

Babe Magnet: Historic baseball jersey smashes record

The jersey worn by New York Yankee legend Babe Ruth during his famous third-game, fifth-inning home run in the 1932 World Series caused a sensation at a recent sale held by Heritage Auctions. Competing in a six-hour bidding war for the coveted uniform top, baseball fans proceeded to hit the price out of the park. The hammer fell at an incredible US$24.12 million (HK$188.1 million), easily surpassing the previous record for a sports collectible. The controversy surrounding Babe Ruth’s fifth-inning home run against the Chicago Cubs has often been written about, depicted in paintings and mimicked in movies, giving this piece of sports memorabilia huge cultural significance. Ruth stepped up to the plate with the score at 4-4, heckled fiercely by Cubs supporters on their home turf of Wrigley Field. He repeatedly pointed in the direction of the deep centre field before smashing the ball out there, then gesturing to the Cubs bench as he ran the bases.

Heritage’s Director of Sports Auctions, Chris Ivy, commented: “It is clear by the strong auction participation and record price achieved that astute collectors have no doubt as to what this Ruth jersey is and what it represents.”

Wonder Child: Doe-eyed girl lights up sale

A masterpiece by Yoshitomo Nara sent Sotheby’s auction house in Hong Kong abuzz with excitement during the last Modern and Contemporary Evening sale and pushed the winning bid sky high. The work, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, eventually went for HK$96 million (US$12.3 million).

Making its auction debut, the large-scale acrylic on canvas was laid down in 2017 by the pioneering Japanese artist and is said to be one of his favourites. Its depiction of a doe-eyed little girl is a signature theme, reflecting his career-long introspective style; the childlike gaze in this work conveys a deep, tender sentimentality and a haunting serenity.

Nara has often talked about how his art has been influenced by musical references, and I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight takes its title from the 1974 folk-rock album penned by Richard and Linda Thompson. The yellow-green palette of the record cover is clearly discernible in the hues of this multi-layered painting. It also nods to how the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan affected the artist. To counter the nation’s grief, he sought to reflect a happier state of mind through the eyes of his young subjects.

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (August 2024)

Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a spectacular pink diamond, a rare Leica camera, an amazing Patek Philippe wristwatch, and a masterpiece by Picasso.

Garden of Eden: Pink diamond radiates pure beauty

A spectacular pure pink diamond drew gasps of appreciation from across the globe at Christie’s recent Magnificent Jewels auction in New York. This was a truly international sale for a beautiful round brilliant internally flawless fancy intense stone weighing 10.2 carats called The Eden Rose, and bids came in from the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Such intense demand drove up the final price to a whopping US$13.3 million (HK$103.9 million), with the prized lot going to an anonymous bidder.

Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery, expressed his pleasure at the outcome: “Christie’s was proud to present The Eden Rose, an extraordinary gem which had never before been offered at auction. The 10.2-carat fancy intense pink internally flawless gem surpassed all expectations, fetching well beyond its high estimate.”

The Magnificent Jewels auction accumulated US$44.4 million in sales, with bidders paying strong prices for rare coloured gemstones and natural pearls in particular. The natural pink hue of The Eden Rose has a complete absence of any secondary colour, endowing it with the purest hue of pink and amazing clarity and radiance.

Camera Sky-high: Collector snaps up coveted black Leica

A rare Leica camera was the outstanding lot at a summer auction held by Leitz Photographica Auction at Leitz-Park in Wetzlar, Germany. Going for an astonishing 1.56 million euros (about HK$13.23 million), the camera that wowed bidders represents one of only six black-paint versions of the Leica MP2 made by the renowned camera manufacturer. Its final price easily surpassed the pre-auction estimate of 700,000 to 800,000 euros.

Dating from 1958, the prized item is a good example of historic rangefinder cameras particularly coveted by collectors, especially given its black coat of paint. Only 27 MP2 cameras were made as part of a test series from the late 1950s. Part of the appeal of this model, especially for photojournalists at the time, is a special electric motor drive that facilitated the ability to take 3.5 photos per second.

“We are particularly pleased that our auction house was able to achieve a result of 1.56 million euros for this Leica MP2 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the legendary Leica M,” said Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leitz Photographica Auction. “It emphasises the exceptional popularity that the Leica M system still enjoys today, both among collectors and professional photographers.”

Perfect Picasso: Self-reflective masterpiece inspires awe

A superb painting laid down by Pablo Picasso in the 1960s caused a major stir at a Hong Kong auction house, with the hammer eventually falling on a bid of HK$78.7 million (US$10 million) from an Asian collector. The painting was one of the highlights of Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary Evening Auction and the final asking price fell firmly within the pre-auction estimate of HK$66 million to $90 million.

Le Peintre (The Painter) was inked in 1963 by the revered artist during one of his most creative periods and is considered by many as a late autobiographical masterpiece. Brimming with verve and movement, it portrays an artist at work, a common theme in Picasso’s final years as he explored self-identity – in this instance with the figure exceedingly close to the canvas. The duality of the painter is portrayed by splitting his face in two. Another distinctive quality of his oeuvre during this period was the use of teal blue as part of a strikingly intense colour code.

Felix Kwok, Head of Modern Art at Sotheby’s Asia, noted that the subject of Le Peintre enriches and broadens the themes of the works by Picasso brought to the Asian auction market over recent years.

Map Maker: Rare Patek breaks world-time record

An amazing and extremely rare Patek Philippe wristwatch enthused avid collectors at an auction held by Christie’s in Hong Kong, such that the final selling price of HK$65.5 million (US$8.4 million) smashed a world record. The sale of the Patek Philippe Ref. 2523J was part of a series incorporating two single-owner watch collections.

The 18-carat gold two-crown world-time wristwatch, manufactured in 1953, is considered by some as one of the world’s great vintage Patek wristwatches. A standout feature is a unique dial featuring cloisonné enamel depicting the Eurasian map. No two cloisonné enamel dials are the same since they are created individually by skilled craftsmen – in this case at the workshop of famed dial-maker Stern Frères. The hot firing process results in slight differences in the hues of the enamel colours.

“It was a true privilege to present the fabled Patek Philippe 2523J, one of several treasures entrusted to us,” said Alexandre Bigler, Senior Vice President and Head of Watches at Christie’s Asia Pacific, adding that the demand in Asia for rare and exceptional timepieces remains strong.