Category: Collectibles

Le Matador: A remarkable self-portrait by Picasso

Le Matadored: Picasso's bullish self-portrait

Le Matador, a remarkable self-portrait by Pablo Picasso created just three years before his death in 1973, went under the gavel at earlier this year with a staggering reserve price of US$20-25 million.

First unveiled at an exhibition at the Palais des Papes in Avignon shortly after the artist’s death, Le Matador depicts Picasso as a sword-yielding bullfighter in a ring surrounded by thousands of spectators, holding his blade in the style of a paintbrush, as if preparing for some final battle.

One of the most mature works in his oeuvre, the painting has been aptly described as a culmination of the painter’s life-long obsession with matadors. Familiar bullfighting from an early age, his first-ever painting – Le Picador, depicting a bullfighter on a horse entering an arena observed by spectators – was created when he was just eight, not long after his father had taken him to watch his first such contest.

Though Picasso spent most of his adult years in Paris, he had always retained a strong sense of his Spanish heritage. It’s perhaps fitting, then, that as he neared the end of his life, he returned, once again to the image of the matador and to the subject of his earliest artistic endeavour.

Patek Philippe: Monarch’s minute monitor makes its debut at auction

This particular Patek Philippe watch that was auctioned at Christie’s Dubai last month was truly unique in several ways. One of the first perpetual chronograph watches ever made by Patek Philippe, its historic value was upped still more by the fact it was once owned by King Farouk, the penultimate monarch of Egypt and the Sudan and a man who was known for his fondness for all things luxurious – from Rolls-Royce cars to vintage timepieces.

Commissioned by the King in 1945, the 18-carat gold watch – one of only 281 ever made – is the first ‘1518’ edition of the iconic three-dial style that still in production today. Highlighting its significance, John Reardon, Christie’s International Head of Watches, said: “The same design concept still exists on new Patek Philippe watches, but it has gone through five iterations in as many decades, which is why the original 1518 is known today as the great-great-grandfather of the series.”

In what was then considered an unprecedented horological feat, the timepiece incorporated a triple-complication movement, which micro-mechanically counts seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years. It also includes a moon-face calendar between its two chronograph registers.

It’s the caseback, though, that gives it its royal heritage. Engraved with a crowned ‘F’ on the reverse, complete with a star and a half-moon on the crown (a symbol of the then-Egyptian flag), the watch was believed to be a harbinger of good luck by King Farouk himself. That, however, was probably before he was forcibly deposed in 1952.

LOUIS XIII collaborates with Pharrell Williams for a song that we can hear only if we care

LOUIS XIII cognac has mastered the art of preserving a century in a decanter. The latest venture by the premium cognac-maker is a collaboration with musical sensation, Pharrell Williams, for a music composition named “100 Years”, which will only be released in 2117!

Louis XIII

The song is a creative expression of the delicate relationship between nature and time, and the effect humans have on their environment. Each decanter of LOUIS XIII represents the life achievement of generations of cellar masters, so LOUIS XIII must always think a century ahead.

Louis XIII

Pharrell’s exclusive track has been recorded onto a record made of clay from the chalky soil of the Cognac region and will be stored in the cellars of LOUIS XIII in a state-of-the-art safe specially designed by Fichet-Bauche that is only destructible when submerged in water. If sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, scientists project that in 100 years, a portion of the world’s land might be underwater. The only way to guarantee this original piece of music will be heard again in 2117, one century from now, is if we address the tragic consequences of global warming – if we do not change our way of living, future generations will never be able to hear this song. “100 Years” by Pharrell Williams will be out in 2117, but only #IFWECARE.

“I love the fact that LOUIS XIII thinks a century ahead”, said Pharrell Williams. “We should all do the same for the planet. We have a common interest in preserving nature for the future. Each bottle is the life achievement of generations of men and women. It’s all about legacy and transmission.”

According to Ludovic du Plessis, Global Executive Director of LOUIS XIII, “Nature and time are at the heart of what we do. If the environment is unstable, even the greatest cellar master would not be able to compose the exceptional blend that is LOUIS XIII. Global warming is one of the most important issues of the 21st century; with “100 Years” – the song we’ll only hear if we care, we hope to inspire people around the world to take action.”

Reflecting Light: Giacometti’s chandelier depicts the dark days of World War II

Chandelier

Alberto Giacometti, one of the most prominent sculptors of the 20th century, is best known for the haunting, stark qualities of his work. His most mature piece, Lustre avec femme, homme et oiseau, an elegant chandelier only ever produced in a limited edition of just three, recently came under the spotlight at Sotheby’s London, offering a rare chance to acquire one of his most admired pieces.

In the years following World War II, Giacometti found himself entirely overcome with a sense of isolation and loneliness. His sculptures, which were already stark to begin with, became ever more austere and basic, reflecting his take on human condition. This particular work – valued at around £6,000,000-8,000,000 – has long been seen as the apotheosis of his Post-War work.

Originally conceived in 1949, but not cast in bronze until 1952, the chandelier embodies the artist’s unique Post-War vision. Depicting a solitary woman in a cage and a man circling it, the artist set out to capture the pathos of an existential crisis, one where captivity and release are not simple binaries, with neither bringing true freedom.

Summarising the piece, Thomas Bompard, Head of Sotheby’s London Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sales, said: “This work represents a tangible coming together of visual arts, decoration and theatre.”

High Spirits: Japanese whisky shatters world record at auction

Japanese whisky passed yet another milestone recently when a single bottle of Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Aged 50 Years NV went for a whopping US$ 298,879 at a recent Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction. Sold for twice its pre-sale estimate, the auction house confirmed that it was the highest price ever commanded by a single bottle of Japanese whisky.

Japanese Whisky
Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Aged 50 Years NV

Commenting on this highly positive outcome, Adam Bilbey, Head of Sotheby’s Wine Asia, said: “With the hammer dropping way above the already high estimate, this was an incredible way to kick off our 2018 sales season in Hong Kong. Once again, we saw active bidding from across Asia, all underpinned by the discerning buyers here in Hong Kong.”

Japanese Whisky
Karuizawa Single Malt Whiskey Aged 50 years 1965

Indeed, Japanese whisky is getting something of a reputation for shattering world auction records. Only last year, the world’s largest-known collection of Karuizawa, a premium out-of-production single malt, set a new world record when it went for almost US$1 million, making it the most expensive Japanese whisky collection of all time.

Japanese Whisky
Macallan Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old 1949

Other impressive performers at the Sotheby’s event included the Macallan Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old 1949, which sold for US$62,922, and the Karuizawa Single Malt Whisky Aged 50 Years 1965, which fetched US$55,057.

Thangkas Very Much! Tibetan thangkas revealing a hidden culture surfaces at auction

The Richard R. & Magdalena Ernst Collection of Himalayan Art – one of the most comprehensive collections of Tibetan thangkas – was recently unveiled at Sotheby’s New York, much to the delight of the art world.

Thangkas, or traditional Tibetan paintings on silk or cotton, are intricate pieces of ancient art, awe-inspiring in their vivid colours and detailed miniature iconography. Painted mostly by monks and their disciples, they have more than just aesthetic value and are an integral meditative tool in Tibetan Buddhist religion.

This particular collection, acquired by Nobel Laureate Richard Ernst and his wife over five decades, features 88 paintings spanning the 12th to the 19th century. Speaking about what drew them to this niche art practiced by spiritual gurus tucked away on mountains with harsh climes, Richard says, “From the moment we laid eyes on the thangka of four Arhats in Kathmandu, we knew that Tibetan art would form the heart of our collection. The region’s rich culture, spontaneous nature of creativity, and philosophical strength drew us in, and has kept us firmly engaged over the last fifty years.”

Of varying sizes and depicting different periods, this widely-published collection includes everything from hypnotic mandalas and rare portraits of early Buddhist masters to prevalent hierarchies in monasteries. According to Sotheby’s experts, quite a few of them are deeply influenced by Lhasa high-court influences, and provide a rare window to a hidden – and almost lost – culture.

Bejewelled beauties: Our top 5 picks ahead of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction

Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction is taking place in Hong Kong on 3 April. Whether an avid jewellery collector or a gem connoisseur, this one’s a bidding war that you can’t afford to miss. Here we spotlight on five exquisite pieces that – in our opinion – are worth fighting for.

Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction

Ruby, Diamond and Emerald Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels
Lot 1778

A classic bejewelled brooch in Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature extravagant style, the piece is estimated to fetch between HK$2,200,000-2,800,000. A beautiful swan in 18-carat gold, it features brilliant-cut diamonds with ruby feathers and an emerald eye, all brought to life by Van Cleef & Arpels’ exquisite craftsmanship, and is signed by the haute joaillerie maison.

Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction

Fancy Blue Diamond and Diamond Ring
Lot 1776

As gem connoisseurs would be only too aware, blue diamonds happen to be the most-sought after diamond category after red diamonds. So it should come as no surprise that this beautiful ring starring a fancy blue diamond worth 14.18 carats is estimated to go under the gavel at anywhere between HK$46,200,000 and HK$60,000,000. The surrounding bezel of pink diamonds mounted in platinum and 18-carat pink gold adds to the supreme value of the piece.

Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction

Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring
Lot 1621

With the craze for yellow diamonds on the rise, this exquisite ring – which boasts a brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing 15.69 carats as its centrepiece – will probably be snapped up only after a closely contested battle. Add to that the two heart-shaped GIA-certified D-colour diamonds each weighing 1.01 carats, and the platinum and 18-carat yellow gold real estate of the ring, and we have a big scorer that’s estimated to fetch between HK$5,500,000-6,500,000.

Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction

Diamond and Emerald Bracelet, Cartier
Lot 1505

Featuring six prancing diamond horses created out of pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds, with emerald eyes, this Cartier bracelet is expected to fetch anything between HK$320,000-480,000. Set in 18-carat white gold and 165mm long, this one’s sure to gallop to glory in the auction ring.

Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction

Diamond and Gem Set Necklace, Dior
Lot 1628

With a sizeable pear-shaped diamond worth 5.82 carats as its central anchor, this link chain necklace is a floral affair with coloured gemstones including rubies, sapphires, yellow sapphires, pink sapphires and emeralds and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted on 18-carat white gold. Signed and case-stamped by Dior, this fetching piece is estimated to bring around HK$950,000-1,800,000.

To check out the full catalogue of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction, click here.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Philanthropist’s Cellar vintage wines auction to help charity in China

Philanthropist's Cellar

The Philanthropist’s Cellar, a unique collection of 800 vintages, is going under the hammer at Sotheby’s Hong Kong on 31 March. Estimated at approximately HK$60 million, the collection is pitted to be the company’s largest-ever single-owner wine sale in Asia.

Owned by a private collector, the Philanthropist’s Cellar is distinguished by the combination of depth and breadth of the greatest wines ever made in Bordeaux and Bugundy. Some of the highlights include Chateau Lafite (1986), estimated at HK$85,000 to HK$120,000, Chateau Haut-Brion (1989), estimated at HK$120,000 to HK$180,000 and Montrachet Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (1989), estimated at HK$450,000 to HK$600,000.

All proceeds will be donated to improve health and education conditions of children in rural China, thanks to the efforts of the Rural Education Action Program (REAP) of Stanford University, the major beneficiary of the sale. REAP has earlier done similar work in rural parts of China, like setting up education centres and providing basic sanitation facilities.

Natural Beauty: Gafencu’s top 8 picks of brooches inspired by Mother Nature

Despite technology cocooning all aspects of modern life, Mother Nature is an inevitable presence. Time and again, art has borrowed from nature, with artists singing paeans of praise to all aspects of nature through diverse art forms. Jewellery too has come a long way, from actual elements of nature adorning the human body (think seashell jewellery by Neanderthals) to jewellery designers mimicking natural elements in their designs. 

Here, we’ve put the spotlight on eight such high joaillerie brooches that have captured some of the most striking feats of nature. Elaborate, intricate and exquisitely beautiful, these brooches are only second to nature’s originals. 

Curator Conversations: Inside Hong Kong’s Opera Gallery

Originally founded by Gilles Dyan in 1994, Opera Gallery has established 12 locations around the world including London, Geneva and New York. With museums as well as private clients worldwide, Opera Gallery is one of the leading dealers in modern and contemporary art. 

In celebration of Art Month, we talked to Sharlane Foo, Director of Opera Gallery Hong Kong to learn more about life as a curator.

Inside Hong Kong’s Opera Gallery

Having started your career at the Museum of Contemporary Art Loewen in Singapore and then relocating to the UK for further studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, it is clear that you have always had a passion for art. What are your earliest memories and experiences with art and what were your main inspirations behind these pieces? 

My father travelled a lot for work and he always brought a book home. For me, I treasured the art books the most and I would read them until I wore them out. During one of our family trips to London for the summer, while in my early teens, a poignant moment for me occurred on a visit to the Tate Modern. Entering the Mark Rothko room was such an incredible experience and that was when I decided that I wanted to be in an industry that allowed me access to such beauty.

What inspires you to drive awareness for collectors and emerging artists?

My role in the gallery is to bridge the gap between artists and collectors. I find that collectors gain the most satisfaction when they have the utmost understanding and a true connection to the artist. I feel extreme happiness when I can bring both sides together. You have a wealth of experience in contemporary and modern art.

Opera Gallery

How do you use this to strengthen collaborations with artists?

I am blessed to have had great experiences with artists, and feel doubly fortunate to be part of the Opera Gallery group led by Founder and Chairman Gilles Dyan. As a global organisation with 12 galleries worldwide, we (collectively) have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry that we all call upon. I also work very closely with the group’s Art Director David Rosenberg to bring on new artists to our Hong Kong gallery roster.

Have you observed any recent trends among Hong Kong art collectors and more specifically, at Opera Gallery?

Opera Gallery Hong Kong has gone through a number of changes over the past year. We are progressing and moving with the times and our collectors. One trend that has become apparent is a slight shift in the demographic of the clientele. We are now seeing more of a younger crowd walking through our doors, which is exciting. We are always keen to meet new collectors and to learn more about their interest in the works on our walls.

Inside Hong Kong’s Opera Gallery

Will Opera Gallery feature any art exhibitions at Art Central in March?

We are thrilled to be a part of Art Central 2018 and will showcase a number of magnificent artists, one of which includes Manolo Valdes. Following the great success of Valdes’s monumental sculptures shown in Singapore and Paris, we are bringing the same energy to Hong Kong. During Art Month in March we will also have a group exhibition at Opera Gallery for three amazing Korean Artists: Yoo Bong Sang, Lee Gil Rae and Seo Young Deok. We consistently strive to bring unique talent to Hong Kong to engage local art enthusiasts.

Following the success of Mike Dargas’ exhibition, what’s in store for Opera Gallery this year?

The successful opening of Mike Dargas’ exhibition empowered us to take on more avant-garde works by young global emerging artists. We have a great 2018 ahead of us with a superb line-up for the coming year. With four floors of gallery space, we can bring Hong Kong a diversity of artists that work closely with us and we are always thrilled to see new faces through our door!