The Bonhams Whisky Sale returns to Hong Kong with liquid gems from across the globe

Good news for whisky connoisseurs! The annual Bonhams Whisky Sale is taking place in Hong Kong on 17 August. Daniel Lam, Head of Fine Wine and Whisky in Hong Kong, says: “[This] is a wonderful opportunity to acquire the finest of Japanese whiskies and some of the most sought-after names in Scotch whisky such as Macallan, Port Ellen and Ardbeg.” A rare first edition of Yamazaki 50 years-old leads the Bonhams Whisky Sale. We round up some of the highlights from the sale:

A Yamazaki 50 years-old, estimated at HK$1,800,000-2,400,000, which was matured in casks made from Japanese oak before being released in 2005. Only 50 bottles have ever been produced, making it one of the scarcest of Japanese whiskies.

A bottle of Hibiki-Arita 35 years-old, estimated at HK$100,000-140,000, which was produced to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Japan’s traditional porcelain production. Only 150 bottles were ever released.

Karuizawa Sumo Trio distilled in 1981, 1982 and 1983, estimated at HK$90,000-120,000, which were framed in a crafted humidor designed by Japanese woodblock illustrator Hachisuka Kuniaki. Only 340 sets were ever produced.

A bottle of 37 years-old Macallan Fine & Rare 1937, the second-oldest whisky from the Macallan Fine & Rare Series, estimated to fetch HK$ 260,000-320,000.

A vertical collection of annual releases from Port Ellen, an extremely sought-after lost distillery from Scotland. 17 bottles – from 2001 to 2017 – will be auctioned off for an estimated price of HK$280,000-360,000.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Lots of love: Bronzed statue of Indian goddess Parvati for sale

A little bit of long-lost Indian history finally resurfaced at Macey & Sons’ recent Antiquities auction in Hong Kong, when a solid bronze statue of Parvati, the Hindu fertility goddess, was expected to go for at least HK$850,000.

Dating back to the 13^th century during the late Chola-early Vijaynagar period, a time when bronze sculpting approached something of a pinnacle in India, the statue’s depiction of Parvati captures the very essence of this most worshipped of Hindu goddesses, with her conical crown recalling the country’s more mountainous landscapes, while her right hand is extended in her characteristic ‘flower-holding’ pose or mudra. Of all the divinities of the Hindu pantheon, she is among the highest-regarded, with her intervention as the goddess of love frequently beseeched by the faithful.

Standing 58cm tall and fashioned via a lost wax technique, the piece was almost certainly commissioned by one of the Chola monarchs, rulers known for their keen patronage of their arts. Many such tributes to the goddess Parvati are a common sight in majority of India’s Hindu temples to this very day.

Aston Martin 2014 Centenary Edition Vanquish reaches 007th gear in auction

As any true James Bond aficionado will happily testify, rather than titillating moviegoers with wanton violence or low-cut cleavages, the truly pornographic content of the 007 franchise comes in the form of its sleek, sexed-up supercars, vehicles that give a whole new meaning to auto erotica. Of late, the most car-horny of these sultry saloons has been the bespoke, midnight-blue Aston Martin 2014 Centenary Edition Vanquish currently owned by Daniel Craig, the premium Bond du jours.

Imagine then the erotic frisson occasioned among fans when this particular Bond buggy was announced as the centrepiece of Exception, a unique, one-off auction event staged by Christie’s New York earlier this year. With its inevitable ‘007’ number plate and the added bonus of a Craig-signed plaque, the road-ready ‘mint condition’ car was initially tipped to go for US$400,000 but, in the end, the winning bid – courtesy of an anonymous buyer topped US$468,500.

Upping the vehicle’s coveted quotient even higher is the fact that the ‘Centenary Edition’ is strictly limited to only a 100 cars, with each boasting a unique graduated paint finish and sterling silver Aston Martin wings. This particular Aston Martin Centenary Edition Vanquish was further customised based on Daniel Craig’s personal preferences; hence, the deep-blue, hand-stitched leather interiors – keeping in mind the actor’s favourite colours, a leather box of accessories, including Bang & Olufsen earphones in leather pouch, silver Aston Martin cufflinks and a silver roller-ball pen.

All proceeds went to The Opportunity Network, a charity dedicated giving a fresh chance to disadvantaged youngsters across the US, an initiative supported by both Craig and Rachel Weisz, his British-born actress wife.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

A big hand for Elvis: Omega owned by Elvis Presley breaks records

While Elvis has long been hailed as the King in rock’n’roll circles, his contribution to the world of haute horology has been somewhat less celebrated. It does, however, appear that when he was not rocking jailhouses or worrying about scuffing his distinctively coloured footwear, he was apt to collect precision timepieces, a number of which recently went up for auction in Geneva, including the rocker’s personal favourite – a white-gold Tiffany & Co Omega watch.

Described as the “most historically significant Presley-owned watch to ever to come up for auction” the 18K gold wristwatch – complete with a manually-wound calibre 510 movement and 44 brilliant-cut diamonds – was originally presented to Elvis by RCA in February 1961, as the label looked to commemorate the fact that their single best asset had passed the 75 million mark in terms of global record sales. Among his album releases in 1960, the hits that propelled him to the peak of his career that year included Are You Lonesome Tonight and It’s Now Or Never.

The incredible provenance of the Omega watch was further confirmed by photos of Presley wearing the watch, as well as a certificate of authenticity from Jimmy Velvet, the Founder/CEO of the Elvis Presley Museum.

Ultimately going for a whopping US$1.5 million, following an intensive round of highly competitive bidding, the watch set a new all-time record for an auctioned Omega. Despite the many keen offers from lifelong Presley fans, however, it was ultimately purchased by Switzerland’s Omega Museum.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Falangcai ceramic bowl from Qing dynasty sets record bowlsale prices

A small Falangcai ceramic bowl, believed to be commissioned by the Qing dynasty Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722), apparently ‘broke’ the Internet when it went under the gavel at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, ultimately selling for a truly staggering HK$238 million. Perhaps even more impressively, far from decrying its valuation as ludicrous, most leading art authorities seem to believe it is worth every cent, largely on account of its rarity and provenance.

Previously taking pride of place in the private collection of Henry M, Knight, a renowned 20^th century Brutish enthusiast for Chinese ceramics, this magnificently-crafted artifact, fetchingly decorated with an intricate floral motif and four turquoise quatrefoil lobes, enchants even those unaware of its singular history.

What makes it truly unique, however, is that it is thought to be have been decorated and glazed in the exclusive imperial workshops hidden away within the precincts of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Featuring the Emperor’s favoured design theme – Imperial Flower Garden – the bowl was almost certainly fashioned for Kangxi’s exclusive use, as indicated by the by the phrase ‘Kangxi yuzhi’ (‘Made by the Imperial Order of Kangxi’), which is still clearly discernible on its base.

Top 3 Most Expensive Beds: Would you be able to sleep soundly?

The secret to sleeping soundly, as common sense dictates, starts with a well-made bed. But this seemingly simple statement has led a select group of inspired designer to create some truly extraordinary, jaw-droppingly expensive bedroom showstoppers. Without further adieu, we pull back the covers of the world’s top 3 most expensive beds.

The Jado Jado Steel Style Gold Bed perfectly blends luxury and technology — *The Jado Steel Style Gold Bed perfectly blends luxury and technology*

3. Jado Steel Style Gold Bed – US$676,000

With a bed frame crafted almost entirely of yellow gold and further accented with a bevy of Swarovski crystals, one might be forgiven for assuming this particular slumber inducer may be all flash and no substance. But don’t be fooled, this particular millionaire’s toy also comes equipped with all the technological extras you could want, ranging from a Playstation to a foldaway plasma TV, all with its own Internet connection.

The Magnetic Floating Bed is perfect for those looking to experience zero-gravity slumber — *Experience near-zero-gravity slumber the Magnetic Floating Bed*

2. Magnetic Floating Bed – US$1.6 million

At US$1.6 million, this Space Age bed isn’t just one of the world’s most expensive beds, it’s also something of a physics marvel. Weighing in at 1,500lbs, its immense weight is lifted into the air by heavy-duty magnets and kept in place with strong wire that ensure you don’t float away during slumber. For the millionaire who wants to experience near-zero-gravity slumber, this might just be the bedroom accessory for you.

At US$6.3 million, the Baldacchino Supreme Bed tops our list of most expensive beds — *The US$6.3 million Baldacchino Supreme Bed tops our list of most expensive beds*

1. Baldacchino Supreme Bed – US$6.3 million

Standing at the apex among the world’s most expensive beds is the aptly-named Baldacchino Supreme Bed. Valued at a staggering US$6.3 million, this sumptuous sleeper is the brainchild of renowned designer Stuart Hughes and Italian luxury furniture maker Hebanon. Entirely handmade and crafted from 200lbs of solid 24K gold, each aspect of this bed can be custom built to the lucky buyer’s exact specifications. In fact, you could even chose to embed its entirety in diamonds or other precious gemstones. Only two Baldacchino Supreme Beds exist in the world, increasing its cache even further.

Picasso masterpiece ‘Golden Muse’ sells for millions at Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s London struck gold with yet another Picasso painting Buste de femme de profil, which sold for US$36 million last week.

The 1932 portrait, like many other of Picasso’s paintings, depicts his ‘golden muse’ and lover Marie-Thérèse Walter in a private moment, lost in her writings. Perhaps in keeping with a affectionate phase in their relationship, the portrait is a tender one, focusing on her youth and beauty. Picasso imagines her in the act of writing with downcast eyes, contemplating on the paper in front of her, as her profile is lit up by a mellow sunlight through an open window. The scene seems inspired by real life and was definitely a composition which stayed with Picasso, as he returned to it in a smaller-scale work sometime later.

1932 was a particularly important phase in Picasso’s oeuvre, as this was the year when he publicly professed his love for Marie-Thérèse Walter, leading him to paint her portraits more prolifically.

LOUIS XIII Legacy Limited Edition Magnum: A celebration of history

Born in 1874, LOUIS XIII was the vision of Paul-Émile Rémy Martin, the third generation to head the ancestral cognac house, which today still upholds the strong family ties and values of its origins.

When Paul-Émile’s son sought a successor in 1925, he turned to André Renaud, a trusted partner with whom he had been working for over 15 years. From the 1960s, André worked hand in hand with his son-in-law, André Hériard Dubreuil, to whom he entrusted the house legacy.

It was André Heriard Dubreuil who founded in 1965 what is known today as the Alliance Fine Champagne, a visionary partnership with local winegrowers, leaving the house an invaluable heritage that cemented its success. Still today, the Heriard Dubreuil family is the cornerstone of the legendary cognac house, the guardians of its values and history.

So as LOUIS XIII celebrates the iconic LOUIS XIII Legacy Limited Edition Magnum, we talk to Marie-Amélie Jacquet, fourth-generation member of the Hériard Dubreuil family, on what makes this drink so exceptional.

Was it always part of your plan to join the family business?

It was absolutely the opposite. I always said that I don’t want to join the family business; I want to do my own thing. In fact, I was an investment banker based in London. Funnily enough, my mother was exactly the same. She had her own job and even started her PR company when she was pregnant with me. She kept that going for about 10 years and after that, she relented and joined her father and her brothers, who had asked her for many years to join the family business. In my case, I changed my career path after I had a prolapsed disc when I was 30 and my doctors advised me to change my lifestyle.

I had always cared very much for Rémy Martin and Rémy Cointreau, and I wanted to prepare myself to carry on the legacy of our great brand. I know there will come a time in the future where our decisions will shape the company’s legacy and we need to prepare for that and there’s no better way to do that than by learning from the inside.

How has life changed for you since the career move?

Well, it’s a lot less stressful now! I did have a bit of apprehension in joining the company as a family member. At that time my mother was the chairwoman, so I did wonder if it would be a new dynamic altogether. But luckily, two of my cousins joined around the same time and it was so much easier than I had anticipated. And when I say it’s a family company, it’s not merely because the family is involved in the company but because Rémy Cointreau – the company – is actually a big family.

Could you tell us a bit more about what makes the LOUIS XIII Legacy Limited Edition Magnum so unique?

It is very special, not just because it’s a very limited release of only 500 decanters, but also because we had the privilege of bringing together our four last cellar-masters. Each of them had a great part to play in creating the drink that we have with us today. It takes decades – even generations – to make a product such as the LOUIS XIII Legacy Limited Edition Magnum.

How do you anticipate LOUIS XIII’s legacy to be in the future?

I think LOUIS XIII will remain the drink of choice for great celebrations. I think it’s a celebration of history because it takes so long to make. As a brand, we are also committed to thinking a century ahead. I think what sets us apart is our promise and commitment to make LOUIS XIII not just for foreseeable decades but for centuries.

The Signing Machine by Jaquet Droz: Give your signature a unique flourish

In celebration of a staggering 280 years of precision watch making, Jaquet Droz unveiled a veritable treasure trove of horological delights at Baselworld earlier this year. Among the beautifully designed timepieces and unique designs, one particular creation stood out – the Signing Machine.

The brand’s founder, Pierre Jaquet-Droz, was a renowned maker of automatons, so much so that his masterpieces, The Writer, The Musician and The Draughtsman, are among the highlights on display at the Neuchâtel Museum of Art and History.

Centuries later, The Signing Machine stands as the ultimate tribute to this storied legacy. With its concept first unveiled to the world in 2014, it has taken four years of intensive labour and research to bring it to fruition.

A mechanical work of wonder, The Signing Machine is a beautifully designed, hand-wound device whose power reserve allows two full signatures to be drawn. In total 585 parts work in perfect unison to create these autographs, and only a specially-made Jaquet Droz pen is compatible with the gadget.

Each device is unique, holding only the signature of its owner and unlockable by a personal 4-digit pin. Almost every aspect of its appearance can be further customised, and with a price tag of HK$2.982 million, this may just be the ultimate custom-made collectible.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

E=MusiC²: Einstein’s favourite fiddle goes under the gavel

Apart from single-mindedly working out how the universe works, it seems that Albert Einstein wasn’t averse to banging out a Mozart sonata on the fiddle whenever inspiration eluded him. Recently, some 63 years after the eccentric genius died, the very violin with which he wooed his Mrs – she was well partial to a bit of Wolfgang Amadeus apparently – came up for auction at Bonhams in New York. It eventually sold for US$516,500, five times more than the original estimate.

Given the staggering sum it went for, it’s perhaps not surprising that the violin – which Albert himself referred to as “Lina” – has outdone his telescope (previously sold for US$432,500) and his pocket watch (US$352,054) to become the most valuable item of Einstein memorabilia ever sold (other than his scientific documents).

The violin was made by Oscar Steger, a cabinetmaker and a member of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and gifted to Einstein in 1933. It bears the inscription “the Worlds [sic] Greatest Scientist Profesior [sic]” and was said to travel everywhere that Albert went.