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.

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

Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a stunning 7.01-carat diamond, a John Lennon guitar, a rare water clock and a beautiful painting by Anita Magsaysay-Ho.

Orange Zest: Diamond ring wows in all facets

A painting by Filipino artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho wowed bidders at a recent auction held by Christie’s in Hong Kong. The painting, Three Women with Pineapples, is considered a rarity in the art world and its price peaked at HK$7.56 million (US$968,000), comfortably above the pre-auction estimate of HK$4–$6 million.

It was part of a series of four 20th- and 21st-century art auctions during Christie’s Spring Auction season where works by Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai and Filipino artists achieved 100% sales. “Modern art by Southeast Asian artists such as Anita Magsaysay-Ho, fresh to the market, appeal to collectors this season because of the rarity and quality of the works, which are at the forefront of documenting the societal developments in [the region],” said Christie’s spokesperson Doris Fan.

Born in 1914 and the only woman among the so-called ‘Thirteen Moderns’ of renowned Filipino painters, Magsaysay-Ho would often feature women in everyday activities such as harvesting fruit, collecting grain or selling fish. She liked to portray their camaraderie, and this canvas is typical of her celebration of the female form.

Help! Wanted: Iconic Lennon guitar breaks records

A 1964 guitar used by The Beatles’ legend John Lennon when recording the album, Help!, has sold for a whopping US$2.86 million (HK$22.4 million) at an auction held at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. The sale, conducted by pop memorabilia specialist Julien’s Auctions, saw frenzied bidding for the instrument which had featured in one of the group’s best-known songs. The prized lot eventually went to a telephone bidder at a price which smashed the record for the most expensive Beatles’ guitar in auction history and the fifth highest ever garnered by a guitar.

The Framus Hootenanny 12-string acoustic guitar, which Lennon had given to a fellow musician in 1965, was recently discovered in an attic, and its sale was highly anticipated by Beatles’ enthusiasts and music collectors alike. “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have set a new world record with the sale of John Lennon’s lost Hootenanny guitar,” said David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s Auctions. “Today’s unprecedented sale is a testament to the timeless appeal and reverence of The Beatles’ music and John Lennon.”

Pineapple Power: Rich harvest for Filipino artist’s ode to women

Magnet Strike: Precious water clock brings good fortune

Described as one of the most significant horological rediscoveries of the 21st century, an extremely rare Cartier water clock instigated a tense 25-minute bidding war at auction in Hong Kong, eventually selling for HK$15 million (US$1.92 million). The sale was conducted by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, and such was the interest in this masterpiece of craftsmanship that a total of 75 bids were placed and the final price broke the world auction record for a magnetic water clock.

Of all the magnificent water clocks to have come to market, La Pendule Magnétique is considered to be perhaps the most lavishly designed one to exit the Cartier workshops. Crafted in the popular Chinoiserie style circa 1929, it is distinguished by a 17th-century jade water basin, decorated with coral and black enamel, containing a floating carp that serves as the hour hand. In another auspicious touch, an emerald-eyed qilin carved from nephrite coils around the bowl. Its 22cm-diameter base is made of marble studded with lapis lazuli and aventurine.

The clock had been considered lost for decades before resurfacing.

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

Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions.

Ring of Rose: Flawless diamond fortunate for one

A simply marvellous 55.55-carat oval diamond, named Fortune Five, was the star of the show at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale, going for HK$45.2 million (US$5.8 million). Coming in as the top-seller at the Hong Kong auction, the final price attained for the unmounted D-flawless type IIa diamond fell within the pre-auction estimate of US$4.9 million to US$6.4 million.

A product of nature transformed into a beautiful jewel through ingenious human craftsmanship, this brilliant-cut stone undoubtedly captivated the enthralled bidders. It hails from a mine in Lesotho in southern Africa, one of the largest sources of highly coveted type IIa diamonds, where extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth’s mantle represent the perfect conditions for carbon atoms to crystallise into precious gemstones. The IIa ranking certifies that it is the most chemically pure of diamonds.

Reaching the colour grading of D, the highest possible, signifies that the stone is completely colourless. Furthermore, the gem contains no visible inclusions or blemishes as it is shown to be flawless when examined under intense magnification. Another alluring feature of the diamond is its wondrous interaction with light.

Spyder Sense: Last Ferrari roars off block

A fabulous Ferrari raced to an astonishing final bid price of US$17.87 million (HK$139.9 million) at Kissimmee 2024, making it the most expensive car sold at the prestigious Mecum auction in Florida by a country mile. The beauty and refined elegance of this 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder wowed bidders, who were also swayed by the knowledge that this was the last such model to be built by the famous Italian marque.

The speed machine stemmed from Ferrari’s desire to produce a sportier open-top model that would offer greater performance. First, in 1957, they remodelled the 250 GT California Spyder into the long-wheelbase (LWB) version, boasting a lightweight chassis shod with a simple but elegant body and retractable top. Three years later, the short-wheelbase (SWB) model was born, employing minor changes for enhanced drivability and appearance, and 55 cars were produced from 1960-1963.

The final one of the series, in beautiful Rosso Cina (China Red) with covered headlights, was completed on 9 February 1963 and imported into the US the following month. Its known ownership history since new further added to its desirability.

Bye Bye Birdie: Sorrowful painting brings collecting joy

A beautiful painting by Jean-Baptiste Greuze of a girl mourning the loss of her bird created a stir at a recent Christie’s auction in New York, setting a new world record for works by the revered French artist. Fetching US$2.47 million (HK$19.3 million), it was the top lot at the ‘A Park Avenue Collection’ sale, whose proceeds amounted to a whopping US$8.89 million.

Une jeune fille qui pleure la mort de son oiseau (A girl weeping over her dead bird) was the first in a series of three similar sentimental paintings by Greuze on the theme of loss stemming from the death of a beloved pet bird. It was completed in 1757 and exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1759. Some art critics believe these works were inspired by an ancient verse of first-century BCE Roman poet Catullus, which details a girl’s grief on the passing of her sparrow.

The single-owner sale featured a number of Old Master paintings, as well as 18th-century furniture and Chinese works of art. Christie’s Specialist Joshua Glazer said: “The superb group of French 18th-century paintings in the collection were universally admired, and we were thrilled to have set a new world auction record for the magnificent Greuze Girl weeping over her dead bird.”

Bottle a Hit: Glazed vase triggers bidding war

An extremely rare guan-glazed octagonal bottle vase attracted frenzied action at a recent auction held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, with the hammer falling at HK$20.4 million (US$2.6 million) – nearly two times its high estimate. This sought-after prize was secured after a predominately four-way bidding war that lasted fully eight minutes.

The vase was the most valuable lot from a white glove sale of an important European collection of Chinese ceramics acquired from the renowned dealer and collector Edward T. Chow. With all items sold and 90% of them achieving prices above their high estimates, a grand total of HK$71 million was raised.

Standing at 22 centimetres high, this vase is thought to herald from the Song dynasty or later, and it passed to its new owner in excellent condition for its age, albeit with an insignificant microscopic glaze bruise on the lower body. Noted for its beautiful aesthetics and elegant form, this type of vase was made exclusively for the imperial court where it would delight the senses. The one that aroused such interest typifies the delicate interplay between lines and curves and is embossed with many layers of opaque jade-celadon glaze.

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

Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a beautiful 5.02-carat fancy pink diamond, a Kusama pumpkin, a Song era ceramic dish and a Magritte masterpiece.

Ring of Rose: Bidders turn to dazzling pink stone

A stunning 5.02-carat fancy pink diamond and diamond ring wowed collectors at Poly Auction’s spring sales in Hong Kong. The resplendent piece was the highlight of the Magnificent Jewels sale and its undeniable beauty caused a stir in the auction room at the Grand Hyatt, eventually securing a mammoth final bid of HK$13.2 million. “The strong price achieved for the pink diamond reflects a sturdy market demand,” commented Fung Chiang, Head of Magnificent Jewels and Important Watches at Poly Auction.

Perhaps part of the reason for the ongoing strong demand for such gemstones is their uniqueness. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), only one out of 10,000 carats of fashioned diamonds displays fancy colour, such as the hue bedazzling this prized lot. In the vast majority of cases, the colour is the result of distortion in the stone’s crystal structure rather than the incursion of trace elements.

The rarity of fancy pink diamonds combined with their popularity has seen prices soar over recent years and they have become an alternative investment for some collectors. Reaching the GIA Fancy Pink level, this breathtaking pear-shaped stone is graded VS1 clarity.

Seed Money: Pumpkin work connects the dots

A brilliantly bold pumpkin sculpture by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama sent bidders at Sotheby’s auction house in Hong Kong wild with excitement. The hammer was eventually struck on a whopping winning bid of HK$36.14 million, near the high end of the pre-auction estimate. Pumpkin, created in 2019 and signed and dated by Kusama, is made of urethane on fibreglass-reinforced plastic.

The yellow and black pumpkin sculpture with its beguiling series of polka dots measures about one metre tall and wide, and is considered the epitome of optimism, serenity and joy. Such is the popularity of the Kusama pumpkin that many similar examples reside in museums around the world.

Pumpkins have been a central theme in the artist’s oeuvre over many years, and she has said that they reflect the aura of her mental state and embody the joy of living. Certainly, the ‘princess of polka dots’ developed an almost spiritual fascination with the pumpkin from childhood experiences at her family’s seed nursery. In an almost surreal memory of the moment, she has recounted how a pumpkin began to speak to her in an animated manner.

Rare Dish: Ceramics collectors go for a Song

A dainty yet magnificent ceramic from the Song era sparked frenzied bidding in a packed New York salesroom at the recent Christie’s Asian Art Week. Measuring 14 centimetres in diameter, the fine Ge foliate dish from the Southern Song-Yuan Dynasty (1127-1368) went for US$1.8 million (HK$14 million).

Part of the Linyushanren collection, this rare Ge kiln firing showing characteristic monochromatic and crackled glaze was the top lot from the Important Chinese Art Including the Collection of Dorothy Tapper Goldman auction series. Spread over two days, the sales raised a total of US$19.13 million, with more than half of the highly competitive bidders emanating from Asia. Another prized piece was a large blue and white dragon dish from the Yongzheng period (the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, 1678-1735).

Commenting on the success of the auction, Christie’s Chinese art specialist Vicki Paloympis said: “Rare ceramics from private collections commanded high prices, including [this] crackle-glazed Ge foliate dish from the Southern Song-Yuan dynasty. We also continue to have great success with single-owner American collections, and a group of Song-Qing ceramics from the Alita Davis Weaver collection.” 

Bowled Over: Intimate Magritte masterpiece caps sale

An amazing piece of surrealism by René Magritte fetched an astonishing £33.7 million (HK$338.2 million) at a recent auction held by Christie’s in London. The work, L’ami intime (The Intimate Friend), shone at the auction house’s 20th/21st Century London Evening Sales, achieving the highest bid by far.

Painted in 1958, the masterpiece appeared at auction for the first time in more than 40 years. It was offered from the New York-based collection of Gilbert and Lena Kaplan, who themselves acquired the work in 1980. The iconic painting depicts a man in a bowler hat looking directly ahead over a sunlit landscape while a glass of water and baguette appear to be floating in mid-air right behind him. Perhaps part of the immense appeal of this canvas is that it could be considered to cover three genres simultaneously – figure, landscape and still life.

Widely adorned by men during the artist’s youth, the dapper felt hat was a common theme for Magritte, and here its precise dimensions are a striking feature of the painting. Further works by the influential Belgian surrealist also performed above pre-sale expectations.

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

Four breathtaking lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a painting by the Beatles, a fantastic supercar, a rare Leica camera and a collection of prints by Katsushika Hokusai.

Snap Happy: Original Leica captures imagination

An extremely rare 100-year-old Leica camera sold for a whopping 3.5 million euros (HK$29.6 million) at the fifth Wetzlar Camera Auctions to be held in the German city. The final bid price for this 1923 Leica prototype, part of the iconic 0-series, was by far the highest clinched among an array of more than 250 historical cameras and accessories on the auction block. Fittingly, the majority of items sold were Leica cameras – Wetzlar is the home of the legendary German camera company.

This historic model is one of 22-25 prototypes made for testing purposes, then released as a limited series in 1924, the year before Leica’s birth. The whereabouts of just 16 of these ‘firsts’ are known; this one was part of an Italian private collection. Its black paint finish is in fine condition and it boasts the original leather lens cap with fastening cord and the original spool.

The 35mm camera, designed by Oskar Barnack, instigated a revolution in photography, and this prototype became the model for all 35mm Leicas. Wetzlar Camera Auctions has made a name for itself in recent years for achieving substantial prices for particularly rare photographica.

Fab Work: Beatles’ Japan painting a huge hit

An amazing painting laid down by all four Beatles grabbed the attention of dedicated fans at a recent Christie’s sale in New York. Bidders drove the price of their collective psychedelic handiwork up to US$1.74 million (HK$13.64 million), a figure far in excess of the pre-auction estimate of US$400,000-600,000. The piece, Images of a Woman, was created by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in a Tokyo hotel room in 1966 during their concert tour of Japan.

The work is unique in the sense that it is the only time all four Beatles contributed to the same artwork, and it was also created during one of their last concert tours before the pressures of stardom forced them to quit performing live. Commenting on the auction’s success, Christie’s International Specialist Head Casey Rogers said: “It’s been a thrill to witness another magnificent performance by The Beatles. I am proud of the way we told the story of this one-of-a-kind object that is both a work of art and an intimate piece of memorabilia signed in order by John, Paul, George and Ringo.”

The Beatles produced this wonderful piece using watercolours and oil paints on fine Japanese art paper.

Great View: Collection of prints sets record

A series of prints by Katsushika Hokusai set a world record for the renowned artist at a recent Christie’s auction held in New York during Asian Art Week. The final sales price reached US$3,559,000 for the complete set of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji which were featured as prized lots of the Japanese and Korean Art section of the sale. The enthusiastic bidding during the auction smashed the previous record set for the artist following a Christie’s auction in 2023.

The Head of Christie’s Japanese and Korean Art Department, Takaaki Murakami, enthused: “It is a once-in-a-generation honour to offer a complete set of Hokusai’s monumental Fuji series. The record-setting result we achieved for the Thirty-Six Views, and the strong prices for other important Hokusai prints, continue our proud tradition of being the leading auction house for this artist.”

Published during 1830 to 1834, all the prints have Mount Fuji featuring in some form in various landscapes, seasons and weather conditions and often acting as a magnificent backdrop to various kinds of human activity. The mountain played an important part in Buddhism in Japan, partly explaining the popularity of the series.

Car Crazy: Fantastic supercar sends bids roaring

A unique hypercar from 2021 sporting a groundbreaking hybrid-drive powertrain went for an astonishing €2.42 million (HK$20.75 million) at a recent auction held by RM Sotheby’s in Paris. The Koenigsegg Regera is considered by automotive experts as a technological tour de force. Capable of zooming to 400 km/h in less than 29 seconds, it is one of the fastest cars out there. Just 80 were made, and the sleek specimen on the auction block was particularly attractive, with a single previous owner and an odometer recording just 522 kilometres.

The wonder model was first unveiled in concept form to an awe-inspired public at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2015, with production commencing a year later. Each Regera boasts a high level of personalisation – this one is finished in moon silver with blue stripes and has steel blue brake callipers and carbon Kevlar 11-spoke Dymag Spider wheels. Furthermore, the series is noted for its close attention to detail, such as constellation-style daytime running lights using a tranche of LEDs set against a polished carbon backdrop.

The driving force behind the marque is Christian von Koenigsegg, the Swedish automotive engineer, inventor and supercar enthusiast.

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

Four remarkable lots that impressed bidders in recent auctions are featured in this month’s Look Section, including an amazing floral painting, a classy corvette, a rare buddhist sculpture and one of Jordan’s sneakers.

Super Six: Jordan’s sneakers win the game

Six of the most important pairs of basketball shoes sported during the illustrious career of Michael Jordan went for a whopping US$8 million (about HK$62.5 million) at a Sotheby’s sale in New York last month. The astonishing figure represents the global auction record for game-worn sneakers and the second- highest amount raised for items linked to the Chicago Bulls superstar.

Jordan wore these six individual pairs of Air Jordans when he was playing some of the most important games of his career – namely, the finals of his six-career National Basketball Association (NBA) championships from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. Commenting on this remarkable six-piece lot – dubbed the Michael Jordan ‘Dynasty Collection’ by the auction house – Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables Brahm Wachter said: “A truly unparalleled moment and milestone in auction history, the sale of these six championship- clinching sneakers will likely never be replicated.”

The largest sum accumulated for an auction item from the basketball legend’s catalogue of used sportswear was US$10.1 million, which secured his No. 23 jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals of his ‘Last Dance’ season.

Tibetan King: Rare Buddhist sculpture wows followers

The last privately owned gilt copper alloy figure of Virupaksha, the Buddhist Guardian of the West, caused a stir at a recent auction held in Hong Kong by Bonhams. This early 15th-century figure from the Densatil Monastery in Tibet, measuring an impressive 73 centimetres high, eventually went for HK$37.9 million (about US$4.86 million).

This huge price attained for a figure of Virupaksha, regarded as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, partly reflected the fact that the other three similar sculptures are all now residing in world-class museums – the Capital Museum in Beijing, the Palace Museum in Taipei, and Paris’s Guimet Museum. It is thought the sculpture was crafted when the noble clan ruling central Tibet and officiating at Densatil were at the height of their regal powers.

Edward Wilkinson, Global Head of Himalayan, Indian and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams said: “As the only guardian from Densatil in private hands, as well as the largest and most engaging sculpture from Densatil, this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of the greatest icons of Tibetan art. We are therefore thrilled, but not surprised, that it fetched the top price it deserves.”

Floral Fantasy: Kusama’s bold Flower blooms at auction

A floral painting by Yayoi Kusama, who is renowned for her deep affection for flowers as well as pumpkins and polka dots, delighted the Christie’s salesroom in Hong Kong so much that it garnered the second-highest auction price for the much-loved Japanese artist. The final sum for the 2014 work, called simply A Flower, topped HK$78 million (about US$10 million), a figure that is also greater than the HK$58.5 million attained for another floral work by the same artist at Christie’s the previous season.

Interestingly, Kusama’s life-long fascination with flowers began following a terrifying experience in childhood. She had a sudden, disturbing vision that she was surrounded by hundreds of flowers in a garden and they appeared to be chatting among themselves as if they had taken on human personas. This early moment of distress mushroomed into an illusory fantasy based around flowers and influenced her canon of work over several decades.

A vivid and bold piece with polka-dot motifs created when the artist was in her mid-80s, A Flower displays depth and appreciation of the subtle influence of changes of colour akin to the division and reproduction of cells in nature.

First & Last: Classy Corvette pair grabs headlines

The very first and the very last production Corvette L88 were offered together under one lot by Mecum Auctions at its recent sale in Kissimmee, Florida, resulting in much excitement and a mightily impressive winning bid of US$2.58 million (about HK$20.18 million). Equipped with muscular engines, the two classic Chevrolet ‘dream cars’ were used to turning heads when they hit the US racetracks in the late 1960s and winning awards thereafter.

The oldest model, a 1967 Convertible, is widely known as the very first production Corvette L88 and also has the distinction of being the only L88 Convertible to be painted Tuxedo Black. Its noteworthy racing career included being driven by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson, and finishing second in the 1967 Daytona Beach SCCA runoffs. The accolades continued in later life, as it achieved Bloomington Gold certification, numerous NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Top Flight wins and the NCRS Heritage award in 2013.

The last documented model of the line was manufactured on 4 December 1969. The 1969 Coupe was finished in the famous Corvette factory colour of Fathom Green.

The Marvelous Four on the Auction Block

Four remarkable lots that impressed bidders in recent auctions are featured in this month’s Look Section, including a flawless diamond ring, a likely singular timepiece, a masterpiece of splashed-ink art and six of Messi’s football jerseys.

Fancy In Pink: Flawless diamond rings supreme

The largest fancy intense pink internally flawless diamond ever to appear at auction set pulses racing at Christie’s in Hong Kong. ‘The Pink Supreme’ took centre stage at a series of sales spanning more than 110 lots of magnificent jewels. While an array of coloured and colourless diamonds and gemstones and other superb creations emanating from prestigious jewellery houses came under the hammer, it was this 15.48-carat fancy intense pink cushion brilliant-cut diamond ring which shone the brightest. It fetched HK$83.87 million (US$10.8 million), representing a price per carat of HK$5.41 million (US$700,000).

The Pink Supreme diamond is considered a true rarity. The phenomenal and unparalleled beauty, size, internally flawless grading and splendid craftsmanship of this stone have combined to produce a bejewelled masterpiece coveted by collectors.

Vickie Sek, Chairman of Jewellery at Christie’s Asia Pacific, said: “We were truly delighted to showcase a diverse selection of magnificent jewels at our Hong Kong 2023 Autumn Sales, and the superb result realised for The Pink Supreme is a testament to the unwavering market demand for this category.”

One To Watch: Likely singular timepiece clocks a fortune

A previously unknown and possibly unique Patek Philippe ref. 3974 Grand Complications wristwatch made a timely appearance at Phillips auction house in Hong Kong, generating much enthusiasm among watch admirers. Eventually selling for HK$14 million (US$1.8 million), the timepiece was part of a successful watch auction in which a total of 208 lots were sold, reaching an overall value of HK$181.7 million.

This Patek Phillippe ref. 3974 minute repeater perpetual calendar watch in platinum (possibly manufactured in or around the year 2001) went to a bidder for well above the pre-sale low-end estimate. Indeed, the auction showed strong sales performances for many of the lots and attracted more than 1,700 collectors participating from 61 countries and regions.

Thomas Perazzi, Phillips’ Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches in Asia, said: “The top 10 lots beautifully demonstrate how varied the market is with the Patek Philippe ref. 3974 in platinum flying way above its pre-sale estimate, while a Rolex ‘Stelline’ ref. 6062 in yellow gold achieved 40% more than its previous sold price at auction, and a number of independents established strong results.”

Autumn Glow: Yosemite colours make a splash

Works by Zhang Daqian are eagerly awaited by the auction community and when a masterpiece of splashed-ink art made its way onto the block in Hong Kong, the final price of HK$199.37 million (US$25.6 million) did not disappoint. Indeed, such was the anticipation in the runup to the sale of Autumn Mountains in Twilight that Sotheby’s bestowed upon it the highest estimate ever for a splashed-ink-and-colour landscape by the artist.

Born in Sichuan in 1899, Zhang had turned to bold abstract artistic representations in the later part of his career when his eyesight began to falter. The roving and prolific Chinese artist was inspired to paint Autumn Mountains in Twilight after a visit to Yosemite National Park in California during the summer of 1967, and in this work, his mastery of the medium is seen to reach new heights.

It was a sentimental journey as his brother had stopped at the park years previously and a treasured photograph he had been given from this visit had been lost in a fire. The sheer magnificence of the sunset views of Half Dome or El Capitan stirred Zhang’s creative juices, and returning to his home in Brazil he set to work. The golden hues of the cliffs and valleys cover almost the entire canvas.

Messi Magic: Six shirts score the lot

Half a dozen football jerseys worn by Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup have been auctioned for an incredible US$7.8 million. Held by Sotheby’s in New York, the sale sparked intense interest from lovers of sporting memorabilia and the final price was the highest achieved by a sports item at auction last year. It also surpassed the previous record for a Messi collectible – a shirt worn at the 2017 El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona that went for $450,000 in 2022.

Messi wore the six World Cup shirts during the first half of the final, semi-final, quarter-final, round of 16 and two of the group stage matches at the Qatar tournament, where the spotlight was trained upon him throughout. His country’s victory in the epic final with France merely cemented a widely considered reputation that he is the greatest footballer of all time.

“These historic shirts are not only a tangible reminder of one of the most important moments in the history of sports, but are principally connected to the pinnacle moment in the career of the most decorated football player in history,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles.