Highly-valued Craftsmanships – The Latest Top Bids in the Auction World

A piece of painting, an automobile or anything that has an interesting story and history to it always becomes a priced possession and dominates in the auction world. To add to it, if the bidding item is completed with great craftsmanship, it is always bought for millions.

Passionate CLINCH

Woman sculptor inspired by ancient poem

Camille Claudel’s L’Abandon sold for £831,600 (about US$1.01 million) at a Christie’s sale of Impressionist and Modern Art in London, beating out two sculptures by Auguste Rodin, briefly her collaborator and lover, for the auction top spot. Cast in bronze by Eugène Blot in 1905, the work is hailed as the French figurative sculptor’s breakthrough. Born in Fère-en-Tardenois, a rural village between Paris and Reims, Claudel’s mother told her any desires to become an artist were ‘unladylike’. Her father, however, presented some of her early work to a neighbour: the sculptor Alfred Boucher. Impressed, he became the girl’s mentor, and following his advice, the family moved to Paris in 1881. Claudel enrolled at the Académie Colarossi – a progressive art school that admitted women. In 1886, she began working on L’Abandon, a sculpture of an embracing couple inspired by the ancient Sanskrit poem Sakuntala. Exhibited in plaster at the 1888 Salon des Artistes Français, it won an honourable mention. The critic André Michel praised its “profound feeling of tenderness both chaste and passionate, an impression of quivering, of restrained ardour”

Top table

Italian dining furniture attracts huge bid

A magnificent Italian ormolu, white marble and semi-precious hardstone-inlaid centre table went for a healthy US$1.5 million at the widely-anticipated auction of Modern Medici: Masterpieces from a New York Collection held by Christie’s. One of the sale’s shining highlights, this bejewelled piece of furniture is a prime example of early 19th-century Italian craftsmanship – an elegantly sculptured base expertly rendered in gilt bronze with a rich combination of chased and burnished surfaces, paired with a marble top inlaid with glorious coloured stones. The latter, circa 1800-1810, is the handiwork of Roman mosaicist Giacomo Raffaelli. Assessing the appeal of this rare lot, William Strafford, Christie’s Deputy Chairman, European Furniture and Decorative Arts, said: “The spectacular table is a fine embodiment of the art of pietra dura and sculptural gilt-bronzes. Its eye-catching top is inset throughout with rare samples of semi-precious hardstones, an attribute that saw the table hugely admired during an exhibition dedicated to this exquisite collection. We were thrilled that it was one of two lots that fetched the highest prices of the sale, selling for US$1.5 million to an anonymous buyer.

Church Record

Happy ending for looted Kandinsky

A bid of US$44.9 million at a recent Sotheby’s sale scooped up a masterpiece by Wassily Kandinsky, representing a new auction record for the artist. The painting, Murnau mit Kirche II (Murnau with Church II), originates from 1920 and encapsulates the beginnings of the revolutionary abstract language that would underpin the rest of Kandinsky’s career. The work was recently returned to the descendants of its rightful owners, the Berlin art collectors Siegbert and Johanna Margarethe Stern; Johanna died at Auschwitz in 1944. Auction proceeds are to be shared between the 13 surviving Stern heirs and used to fund further research into the fate of their family collection. Lucian Simmons, Vice Chairman and Sotheby’s Worldwide Head of Restitution said: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the conference, held in Washington, D.C., that first established the ground rules for the restitution of artworks looted by the Nazis during the Second World War. Since then, Sotheby’s Restitution Department has worked with many heirs and families to reunite them with their stolen property and, at the same time, to help re-tell their stories and celebrate their lives.”

Bugatti blast

Frenzied bidding for last-of-its-kind supercar

A Bugatti Chiron Profilée, the last W16-powered car available from the famed French automotive atelier, has gone for nearly 9.8 million euros (about US$10.7 million), making it the most valuable new car ever sold at auction. It was the last possible opportunity to buy a new Bugatti powered by the legendary W16 engine – the only 16-cylinder engine in the world to be used in a car. With such an important piece of Bugatti history at stake, bidding was fierce. Marcus Görig, Car Specialist at RM Sotheby’s, said: “It was an honour for us to host this very special lot in collaboration with Bugatti. The sale of the Chiron Profilée was one of the most anticipated moments of the whole auction. With enormous global interest in the car, the Profilée attracted considerable attention at the auction among bidders and curious viewers who had visited to have a glimpse of this unique car.” Designed as a more radical version of the Chiron Sport, the Profilée took its name from one of Jean Bugatti’s first creations – a specific Type 46 model known as Surprofilée, with a sleeker silhouette and an elegant sweeping tail.

Also Read: Applauding Creations From Different Centuries – Auction Bids to Note

Applauding Creations From Different Centuries – Auction Bids to Note

Regardless of the time of the creation – the 16th century or the 20th century – anything that is crafted with great precision will surely rack up more appreciation and ultimately fetch mind-blowing auction bids. Four such works are a necklace worn by Princess Diana, The Head of Saint John the Baptist presented to Salome painting, and two more.

Iconic Cross

Diana necklace surpasses bid estimate

An amethyst and diamond pendant once worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, fetched £163,800 (HK$1,534,906) at a Sotheby’s auction. Kim Kardashian outbid her rivals to scoop up the Attallah Cross. The cross was bought by Naim Attallah CBE, from Garrard in the 1980s and through his friendship with Princess Diana, he could loan it to her several times over a number of years to wear at events. It is understood that the Princess only ever wore the cross, and following her death, it was never seen in public again until the auction. The cross-shaped pendant – thought to be a one-off private commission by Garrard for one of their regular clients – is a bold and colourful piece set with square-cut amethysts and accented by circular-cut diamonds. The cross has a total diamond weight of approximately 5.25 carats and measures about 136 x 95mm. Head of jewellery at Sotheby’s London, Kristian Spofforth, said: “To some extent, this unusual pendant is symbolic of the princess’s growing self-assurance in her sartorial and jewellery choices, at that particular moment in her life.”

Also Read: Pearly Whites with splashes of gold and silver

Head Hunts
Depiction of decapitated saint

A controversial early masterpiece created by the renowned 16th century Flemish grandmaster, Peter Paul Rubens – Salome Presented With the Head of Saint John the Baptist – changed hands for an astonishing US$26.9m at auction during Sotheby’s Masters Week. Supposedly painted in 1609, it is regarded as one of a small group of masterpieces created by the artist immediately following his return from Italy in December 1608. The painting formed part of a truly grand white-glove sale of works from the fabled Fisch Davidson Collection – one of the most significant arrays of Baroque art ever to come to market. While many other fine items jostled for attention during the course of the sale, there was no doubt that this renowned example of Rubens’s singular artistic vision was the star attraction, with the winning bid of US$26.9m – the third highest price ever paid for one of the artist’s works at auction – merely confirming its significance. Christopher Apostle of Sotheby’s New York, said: “This Masters Week has been one of the strongest ever staged by Sotheby’s, both in terms of the record numbers pouring through our doors to peruse the lots on the show and the spirited bidding later seen in the saleroom.”

Bronze Award
Rijksmuseum wins bidding battle

A bronze figure of an écorché man – an individual sculptured with his inner anatomy very much on show – created by Willem Danielsz Van Tetrode, a much-admired 16th-century sculptor, went for a fairly healthy US$1.5 million when recently auctioned in New York. A sculptor rightly renowned for dramatic compositions and skilled écorché, this particular work – perhaps unimaginatively known simply as A Bronze Figure of an Écorché Man – together with Hercules Pomarius and Striding Warrior, are generally viewed as his three most accomplished pieces. Perhaps boosting its appeal to collectors, however, the exaggerated body, long legs, abbreviated torso and visually dazzling musculature are quite unlike any of the sculptor’s other works. Particularly popular throughout much of the 17th century, this sculpture was said to have inspired many later artists, with its distinct colouring and contours recreated in a host of subsequent drawings and paintings, most famously in Voorhout’s A Young Scholar in his Study. The sculpture is now believed to have been acquired by the Rijksmuseum.

Muscle Memory
Nostalgia for the days of the mighty muscle

To the surprise of many, a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona muscle car – typically a two-door sports coupé designed for high-performance driving – sold for a highly commendable US$1.43 million at Mecum Kissimmee, a specialist automobile auction event held recently in Florida. Perhaps adding to its value, the vehicle was previously owned by Kevin Greene, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and David Spade, the well-known US TV and movie star. Boasting a 4-speed manual transmission, power steering and a 426/425 HP Hemi engine, its eventual sale price far outstripped that commanded by a similar model that went under the gavel in 2022. This may be at least partly because it is believed to be the lowest-mile, original engine four-speed Hemi Daytona still in existence. Remarkably, it has retained its value even though its first owner removed the original interior and arranged for all its body panels to be custom re-painted, while its factory wheels and tyres were put into storage. Although this Daytona model was only in production for one year, it is viewed as one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history.

Also Read: Motoring On: Great car clubs of Hong Kong

(Text: Neil Dolby)

Love Lots – The latest news in the Auction Market

Check out Bob Dylan’s collection of love letters, Piet Mondrain’s abstract painting, White Disaster by Andy Warhol and the revived vintage watch from Titanic.

Forever Young

Lots of love from Dylan to his classroom crush

Legendary American folk musician Bob Dylan is as renowned for his generation-inspiring songbook as he is for his antiauthoritarian lyrics. As such, it may come as no surprise that a collection of letters by the revolutionary bard recently fetched a stunning US$65,000 (HK$508,000) at auction.

The literary lot featured 42 letters all penned by Dylan, who, back then, was still known as Robert Zimmerman, when he was in high school, and chronicle his attempt to woo Ann Hewitt, his classroom crush.

Born in 1941, Hewitt settled with her family in Hibbing Minnesota and it was there that she met Dylan in her high school history class. The couple’s first date took place on New Year’s Eve 1957, with their romance lingering on until at least the end of 1959.

Sold by Boston-based auction house RR Auction, the letters, which run 150 pages in total, cover everything from Dylan’s musical ambitions to short snippets of poetry and, of course, sweet billetdoux to his beau.

Also included in the lot were a signed Valentine’s Day card and an unsigned handwritten note from Dylan to Hewitt.

Square Deal

Mondrian art goes under the gavel

The works of Piet Mondrian, the iconic abstract Dutch painter, seldom come up for auction, so the news that one of his most admired pieces – Composition No. II, featuring, of course, his signature red, blue, white and yellow squares- was going under the gavel and created quite a stir.

Putting the significance of the sale into perspective, Julian Dawes, Sotheby’s head of impressionist and modern art for the Americas, said: “Quintessential works by Piet Mondrian rarely come up for auction, as many are permanently housed in some of the world’s most prestigious museum collections.

The once-in-a-generation opportunity proved no disappointment with the piece in question – created in 1930 and last auctioned in 1983 when it fetched a then-record $2.15 million (HK$16 million) -exceeded all expectations with the winning bid reported as some $51 million (HK$400 million).

Mondrian, a pioneer of abstract art, relocated to Paris in 1912 after being impressed by the early cubist works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. There he began to experiment with his own take on depicting fragmented representations of reality.

Disaster-Piece

Car crash proves salesroom smash

Universally celebrated for its highly-influential pop art iconography, Andy Warhol dabbled in a wide array of artistic disciplines – from film to performance art to illustrative prints and far more. It was, however, one of his muchcoveted silk screen prints that recently exceeded all expectations when it sold at auction for US$84 million (HK$ 657 million).

The piece in question, White Disaster, was created in 1963, a time when Warhol had become obsessed with gruesome and morbid imagery, with everything from nuclear mushroom clouds to electric chairs co-opted into his apocalyptic visions.

The particular work features a single image of an automobile accident duplicated 19 times in black and white across 12 feet by 6 feet canvas. Prior to the sale, it was held in a private collection for 25 years and had previously been owned by both Heiner Friedrich, founder of the Dia Art Foundation and Thomas Ammann, the wellknown art dealer.

A smaller artwork from the same series, Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster), fetched a record-breaking US$105.4 million (HK$820 million) in 2013.

Time Titanic

Classic car drives high bids

A watch belonging to a postal clerk sailing aboard the ill-fated Titanic recently went under the hammer at Henry Aldridge & Sons, a southwest England-based auction house, along with several other momentoes of the doomed cruise liner.

Selling for an unprecedented £98,000 (HK$910,000), the considerable interest in the watch confirmed the abiding fascination with the infamous ship and its unfortunate fate, which seems to remain as strong as ever among memorabilia collectors and canny investors everywhere.

The rare vintage watch, which belonged to RMS Titanic clerk Oscar Scott Woody, as traggic as the story sounds, stopped forever at the moment its owner slipped into the freezing North Atlantic on that fateful night of 14th April 1912.

Recovered from the icy depths and returned to his wife, Leila, a month after the ship went down, the watch was the centerpiece of the sale, outvaluing several related lots, including a menu for first-class passengers, a list of those first-class passengers, an ornate dessert plate and a section of a column from the liner’s à la carte restaurant.

Best Bids Bulletin

Take a look at Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Mailyn becoming the most expensive artwork, Royal Mughal pashmina carpet selling for a princely sum, 1898 Peugeot Type 15 topping the bill at car auction and an Ancient God’s herm selling for twice its estimate.

Simply Divine

Ancient relic sells for twice its estimate

In a true celebration of ancient relics and artworks, Christie’s recently had up for auction a private collection of New York Antiquarium, The Devoted Classicist, which featured more than 40 lots of ancient art from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Egyptian eras. Among the various distinctive pieces up for grabs were Athenian vases, Egyptian portrait heads and Roman marble statues of gods, goddesses and Imperial individuals, with one of the most notable sculptures featuring three depictions of the Greco-Roman God Dionysus.

The 8.5-inch marble masterpiece fetched an astonishing US$151,200 (HK$1.8 million) surpassing its estimated value of between US$70,000-US$90,000. Known as the God of fruitfulness, vegetation, wine and ecstasy, the Dionysus pieces date back to the second century AD.

Its Archaic portrayal shows a God with a layered spadeshaped beard, angled moustache and two rows of tight culrs falling on each shoulder, while the classical side has a pointed beard, full moustache and vertical locks on forehead. The late-classical style has a long moustache and long tendrils over the shoulders.

Centre Sage

Warhol’s work takes top billing at New York sale

The Shot Sage Blue Marilyn by pop art icon Andy Warhol became the most valuable of all his paintings, after being sold at a Christie’s auction in New York for US$195 million (HK$1.5 billion). It also became the most expensive artwork of the 20th century breaking the record previously held by Picasso’s 1955 artwork Less Femmes D’agler, which sold for US$179.4 Million in 2015. For its part, Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn dates back to 1964 and forms part of a series of five paintings made on a 40 square-inch acrylic and silkscreen on linen.

Tellingly, it was estimated to sell for around US$ 200 million, setting a record for the highest pre-auction estimate of any artwork ever, The sale of this piece was the undoubted highlight of the auction, which saw 36 other works contributing to total takings of US$318 million. The item was from the collection of two late Swiss gallerists, Thomas and Doris Ammann, the cofounders of Thomas Ammann Fine Art in Zurich. All proceeds from the sales will fund the foundation’s work of investing in global healthcare initiatives for underprivileged children and young adults.

Mat Effect

The Royal rug goes for a princely sum

An extraordinarily rare Royal Mughal pashmina carpet, woven for the court of the Indian Emperor Shah Jahan, circa 1650, sold at Christie’s for a hefty £5,442,000 (HK$ 48.6 million), going for more than twice the pre-sale estimate. Competitive telephone bidding for the Mughal Carpet lasted more than 10 minutes – a long time in auction terms. The carpet itself is square in shape, with each side measuring 275 cm and features geometrical traditional floral patterns.

It is one of only four 17th-century pashmina carpets remaining in private hands known for its brilliant colours and intricate pattern with a Lattice and Flower design. Due to the fragility of the silk and the finely spun pashmina pile, very few examples survive, making a carpet of this size and condition an extraordinarily rare memento of the golden age of Imperial Mughal carpet production. The carpet was the undoubted highlight of the Art of the Islamic & Indian World (including Oriental Rugs and Carpet) sale, which raised a total of £15,989,352 (HK$142.8 million). The auction comprised 265 lots, including works of art, paintings, carpets and manuscripts from the ninth through to the 20th century.

Vintage Voyage

Classic car drives high bids

A Victorian-era 1898 Peugeot Type 15 topped the bill at the recent Bonhams London Golden Age of Motoring 2022 classic car auction, which took place just before the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Selling for a staggering £494,500 (HK$ 4.4 million), it went way over its pre-sale estimate of £275000 -£325000. Peugeot is one of the most well-known French motoring marques and the only long-established firm to still be manufacturing two-cylinder engine cars, with its current portfolio of models ranging from 8hp to 5hp.

This fully-restored Peugeot offers four-speed plus reverse transmission and an early form of cruise control, advanced features for its day.

This car’s early history suggests that it was first purchased by someone in 1898 in the Mauriac region of France. It also appears that this car received special attention as evidenced by the larger than usual number of nickel-plated parts in addition to Peugeot’s liberal stamping of the car number on the chassis, body, and various other components. These were discovered during restoration, confirming the car’s unusually high degree of originality.

Blue Diamonds: A look at the world’s stunning coloured gems

A remarkable discovery of one of the largest and most valuable blue diamonds in the world was recently unearthed and will be gracing the auction block at Sotheby’s Hong Kong this month. With much excitement expected to ensue, the De Beers Cullinan Blue Diamond, mined in 2021 in the Cullinan Mine in South Africa (one of the few sources in the world for extremely rare blue diamonds), is expected to captivate the crowd with its astonishing colour, cut, clarity and carat.

The DeBeers Cullinan Blu The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu — The DeBeers Cullinan Blu, photo courtesy of Sotheby’s

Weighing at 15.10-carat, the internally flawless, fancy vivid blue diamond will be presented to bidders on 27 April as a single-lot auction with an estimated value of more than US$48 million (HK$380 million). In the spirit of admiring this scintillating azure hue, we look back at some of the most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds that have captured the attention and heart of collectors and the world over time.

Hope Diamond (US$250 million)

Hope Diamond The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu — Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond, which also goes by several aliases such as, Le Bijou du Roi (The King’s Jewel), Le bleu de France (The French Blue), and the Tavernier Blue, is one of the most famous jewels in the world. Its origin dates back almost four centuries – possibly from India – and is one of the earliest mentioned blue diamonds.

Weighing at an outstanding 45.52-carat, it is classified as a type IIb diamond with a fancy dark grayish-blue clarity. The diamond had several prominent owners – which explains its name nicknames – and was well travelled before finally settling in the hands of American luxury jeweller Harry Winston in 1949. Almost decade later, the New York-based jeweller donated the gem to the National Museum of Natural History in the United States, where it remains as a permanent exhibition for all to admire.

The Blue Heart Diamond (US$60million)

The Blue Heart is a 30.62-carat, heart shape, brilliant-cut, fancy deep blue diamond that was found at the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1908, and obtained by French jeweller Pierre Cartier. It is approximately two-thirds the size of the Hope Diamond and one of the most popular blue diamonds known to the world. After several exchange of hands, the stone was sold to American business woman, socialite and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather by previous owner American luxury jewellery Harry Winston. Merriweather was the last private owner of the diamond, who gifted the gem to the National Gem Collection in 1964.

Also Read: Bloomin’ Marvellous: A cornucopia of spring-inspired jewelleries

Oppenhiemer Blue Diamond (US$58million)

Oppenheimer Blue' Diamond Sells at Auction for $57.5 Million The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu — Oppenheimer Blue Diamond, photo courtesy of Christie’s

The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is a sensational coloured diamond ring set with a 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue rectangular-cut diamond, flanked by a pair of trapeze-shaped diamond. In the summer of 2016, it broke the record of most expensive expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction after an intense budding war that consequently ended with the ring going under the hammer for a whopping US$58 million, setting a new auction record for he most expensive blue diamond. Its name derives in honor of Sir Philip Oppenheimer, the man who previously controlled the De Beers Mining Company.

The Blue moon of Josephine (US$48.5 million)

The Blue Moon of Josephine, previously known as the Blue Moon Diamond of South African origin, smashed records in 2015 for world auction price-per-carat for a diamond or gemstone at Sotheby’s Geneva. Selling for over US$4 million per carat, the cushion-shaped fancy vivid blue 12.03-carat diamond exchanged hands at a record-setting price of US$48.5 million. The winning bidder, none other than Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau, renamed the gem after his daughter, Josephine. The sale came just one day after the businessman purchased a rare 16.08-carat pink diamond for US$28.5 million.

Also Read: The sensual dual-appeal of transformable jewellery

Apollo Blue Diamond (US$41.3 million)

Apollo Blue Diamond The most beautiful and expensive blue diamonds in the world gafencu — Apollo Blue Diamond, photo courtesy of Sotheby’s

The Apollo Blue is a Fancy Vivid Blue, 14.54-carat, Internally Flawless, Type IIB diamond earring that arrived at the auction block of Sotheby’s Geneva in 2017 as a pair to the The Artemis Pink, a Fancy Intense Pink, 16.00-carat, VVS2 clarity, Type IIA earring. Together, they were billed as the most valuable pair of diamond earrings every to appear at auction. According to the auction house, both are amongst the purest of all diamonds, with “an alluring limpidity”. In 2017, an anonymous buyer outbid the crowd, exchanging the stones for US$42.1 million for the Apollo Blue and US$15.3 million for the Artemis Pink, and renamed them “The Memory of Autumn Leaves” and “The Dream of Autumn Leaves”.

Mouawad Blue Diamond (US$40 million)

Once known as the Tereshchenko diamond, named after the prominent Russian family of the same name that once owned this Fancy Blue 49.92-carat jewel. It is the largest blue diamond in the world, following the Hope Diamond. While the precise location and date of which it was mined remains unknown, it is believed to be of Indian origin. It was first sold in 1916 prior to the Russian revolution and last sold at Christie’s Geneva to Saudi-Arabian dealer Robert Mouawad for US4.6 million, the highest price ever paid for a diamond at auction. It was then that the stone was rechristened as the Mouawad Blue Diamond.

Also Read: Pink Pride: Fancy pink diamond shines bright at Sotheby’s auction

Dickson Yewn: Promoting Chinese heritage for a noble cause

Renowned Chinese jeweler Dickson Yewn and auction house Sotheby’s, have collaborated to showcase a strong exhibit of rare and unique classics with the aim of promoting Chinese heritage and fine arts. Coming together to raise funds for the Needle and Thread Charitable Foundation – a project which promotes the unique handicrafts of women in remote areas of China to a wider audience.

Promoting his works and enlightening the younger generation to their intangible heritage and cultural awareness is integral to Yewn’s artistic purpose. The focus of this exhibit includes a historic first – a Chinese tunic suit with the most intricate and beautiful embroidery from the southeast region of Guizhou.

Gafencu caught up with global artist Dickson Yewn to dig deeper into his artistic journey with this collaboration…

You’ve got global recognition through your work in fine arts and jewellery – what inspired you to support the Needle and Thread charity?
This charity is really close to my heart – they preserve the work of Chinese ethnic minorities. Most of these indigenous tribes are already fast disappearing and alongside their unique craftsmanship. Today, few young people want to get in the trade or pick up these ethnic skills. It’s a dying art and if I can do anything to honour the heritage, I will stitch together my purpose and function as an artist. Since 2008 I have been collaborating with Sotheby’s and this time I have some rare, iconic works up for auction, the proceeds from sale will go for a noble cause.

You’re showcasing some rare collectible items for the auction – throw light on these pieces.

*‘The Golden Kaiser-i-hind Butterfly’ brooch (left), ‘Dream of the Red Mansion’ wearable bangle (right)*

Alongside the traditional-crafted Chinese tunic, four of my works, two of which – namely, the ‘Golden Kaiser-i-hind Butterfly’ brooch and the 23^rd episode of the ‘Dream of the Red Mansion’ – are the rare collectible items up for live auction.

On a personal level, I am obsessed with nature – animals, insects species – butterfly watching is a hobby. I created the ‘Golden Kaiser-i-hind Butterfly’ shoulder brooch, with the intention of highlighting the species of the butterfly. There are more than 20,000 known species of butterfly and even though fauna-inspired fluttering designs are common in high jewellery, not one artist cares to educate people about the species of these delicate creatures. Through my collection, I try to change that notion while paying homage to these highly desirable beauties.

Were there any artistic challenges in designing the collection?

Infusion of wood with precious jewels was a challenge. Embracing unexpected materials always comes with its own obstacles and it’s more with wood because it is taboo in the jewellery industry. Wood jewellery is rare because it needs to be tended to for decades to resist chemical and temperature changes, it’s a labour-intensive process. The inlaid workmanship to incorporate rose-cut diamonds, circular-cut yellow sapphires and tsavorite garnets in 18 karat yellow gold without nails or glue is nothing short of extraordinary.

Bidding for artist and jeweller Dickson Yewn’s pieces for the Needle and Thread Charitable Foundation begins on 18th Feb/Sotheby’s Hong Kong Gallery.

Starting a car collection? 8 classic cars that you should not miss!

If you’re looking to start a collection of automobiles and are on the look out for a worthy collectible to add to your collection, you better be ready to fork out some real dough as the most desirable and highly coveted of collectible cars command an insurmountably high price at auction. From a US$48.4 million Ferrari to the the most expensive pre-war car of the century. Here are eight classic cars to add to your collection.

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 4153 GT

Kicking off a list of most desired classic car to add to a collection with the most expensive car in the world the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 4153 GT. It is one of only 39 examples of the 250 GTO that were built between the year 1962 and 1964. Extremely rare, the vehicle was purchased by American collector David MacNeil for a tear-jerking US$70 million in a private sale in 2018. Besides the present vehicle, the record holder for most expensive car to sell at auction goes to another Ferrari grand tourer, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti, chassis number 3413, which fetched US$48.4 million at RM Sotheby’s 2018 Monetery Car Sale for a jaw-dropping US$48.4 million.

1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R, chassis no. 196 010 00006/54

Nicknamed the Silver Arrow for its bullet-like silhouette and speedy acceleration that won against the likes of Maserati and Ferrari in 1954 Grand Prix, making German history when it brought home the country’s first win since 1939. It is famed for its ultra-lightweight frame that weighed only a mere 46kg. It is one only 16 produced, of which only 10 still exists today, but the present model is the only one remaining in private hands. Despite the dents and blemishes from two seasons of intense racing, the model still fetched a significant sum at Bonhams’ The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale Collector’s Motor Cars and Automobilia in 2013 where it went under the hammer for US$29.6 million.

1956 Aston Martin DBR1

Before its Bond fame, British independent marque Aston Martin was known for both beauty and speed on the track. A case in point is the rare 1956 Aston Martin DBR1, winning nine out of 18 wins throughout its career. It is the most successful race car in Aston Martin history, boasting racing legends like Sir Stirling Moss, Reg Parnell, Roy Salvador and Caroll Shelby among its drivers. Adding to its fame and exclusivity, it is one of only five built with the British compan’y badge fitted on it; which may explain the significant price tag of the model when it was sold at auction at RM Sotheby’s for US$22.5 million in 2017 but not before a seven-minute bidding war ensued.

Also Read: Writing Millions: Five most expensive pens in the world

1935 Duesenberg SSJ

The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ is an American automotive legend produced by the brotherly duo behind the Duesenberg automobiles. Although the manufacturer was only in production between 1913 to 1937, the marque had earned multiple accolades during its time. Part of their impressive range of vehicles was the 1935 SSJ which featured a short-wheeled base and a stronger engine. Only two of these models were produced and delivered to American movie stars Clark Gabel and Gary Cooper, the latter being the present model in question. It wasn’t until 2018 when it found its way to the auction block at Gooding & Company’s 2018 Monterey Car Week did it make modern day history as the most expensive American car ever sold at a total of US$22 million.

1955 Jaguar D-Type

At the birth British luxury manufacturer Jaguar’s 1955 D-Type, there was only one goal in the marque’s mind: Winning the Le Mans 24-Hour tour. It is undeniably one of the most notable racing cars ever made, competing between 1954 and 1959, the 1955 Jaguar D-Type boasts innovation and speed that led to its 1955, 1956, and 1956 wins. The model was kept in pristine condition which might justify its large price tag of US$21.7 million – selling at RM Sotheby’s in 2016.

1995 McLaren F1

British automative manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sportscars and supercars McLaren changed history when it rolled out the world’s first carbon fibre road car, a Formula 1 vehicle – the McLaren MP4 / 1, in 1981. The brand has since been billed for its beautifully sleek, streamlined aesthetics and exhilaratingly quick acceleration, that continues to make headlines. Most recently, in August 2021, a rarely driven 1995 McLaren F1 – coined to be the ultimate road car to beat all supercars – was sold for a mindblowing sum of US$20.5 million at a Gooding & Company auction, making this model the most expensive F1 of all time; and the most expensive vehicle to have sold at auction in 2021. It is one of only 106 models made, and features some very unique design highlights such as a single row of three seats with the driver situated in the middle; and a gold plat3ed heat shield installed within the engine compartment.

Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

French automobile manufacturer Bugatti was known to conquer the road in acceleration, speed and magnificently beautiful and sleek designs. The marque is famed for its many incredible collectible classics that often stir the crowd in excitement whenever one is presented at auction. The Type 57 in particular, which where produced for only seven years – totaling only 710 models, is so highly coveted that a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic set the world record for most expensive car in the world when it fetched more than US$30 million at a Gooding & Company auction in 2010. The model is so sought after desired that it is said that a collector could spend years searching for their desired year, trim and variant.

1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider

An epitome of Italian luxury, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by the Italian luxury car manufacturer Alfa Romeo is the Italian equivalent of a Bugatti Atlantic. Specifically the present vehicle, coined Immortal 2.9, is one of only seven of its kind that boasts a magnificently restored state after its parts were scattered during WWII. Amazingly, it was restored back to its complete original state by UK 2.9 expert Tony Merrick. In 2016, it was the first Immortal 2.9 offered at public auction. It realised a sum of US$19.8 million at RM Sotehby’s Monetery 2016 Classic Car Sale, making it the most-expensive pre-war car until it was superseded by the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Le Grande Rodster in 2018 (US$22 million).

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A Rare Sight: The rarest of items that recently achieved record-breaking sums…

The stunning HK$226.3 million Sakura Ring, Kobe Bryant’s record-breaking signed rookie jersey, a rare Ming Dynasty ceramic jar, and a masterpiece by famed panter Jean-Michel Basuiat, these are the the rarest in auction highlights that had recently achieved large sums…

The Sakura Ring: The largest ever pink-purple diamond fetches HK$226.3 million
Charming and ultra-elegant, fancy colour diamonds make a fashion statement while consistently increasing in value. Prices of pink diamonds, in particular, have soared at auctions in the last five years. Proof of this was seen recently at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong, when The Sakura ring set a new record for the largest purple-pink diamond ever to go under the hammer.

The 15.81-carat fancy vivid purple-pink cushion mixed-cut diamond set with half-moon diamonds on a platinum and gold ring commanded HK$226.3 million, bedazzling the previous record holder, The Spirit of the Rose, a 14.8-carat purple-pink diamond, that sold at Sotheby’s last November for US$27 million. The Sakura’s internally flawless main attraction was the largest of its ilk to be graded by the Gemological Institute of America in the past year, and it outshone the auction competition. The lots that collected second- and third-highest bids were The Sweet Heart, a unique heart-shaped coloured diamond ring, and an exclusive Diamond Pendant Necklace that fetched a cool HK$50.7 million and HK$20.7 million respectively.

Rare Xuande-period Kui jar fires up all collectors
When it comes to Chinese lore, the kui dragon – a symbol of power and auspiciousness – was widely used in its protective capacity to decorate the gateways and doorways of palaces and temples in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. But it did not typically grace porcelain and ceramic wares until Emperor Chenghua’s reign in the early Ming dynasty (1464-1487). This lithe, one-legged kui derives from the makara, or sea dragon, of Hindu origin and entered Chinese art with the dissemination of Buddhism.

An extremely rare Blue and White ‘Kui Dragon’ Jar of Hindu origin from the earlier Xuande period (1426-1435) was an astonishing addition to Christie’s Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art on 28 May. Featuring the Xuande six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle, it realised an astounding HK$31.5 million, underscoring the collectible’s cultural, artistic and historical value.

Only four such Xuande-marked jars are known to have been unearthed – three of which are in museums, while the fourth resides in the possession of a collector. The present vase had been acquired by the Shanghai-born super-collector, Robert Chang, and was sold to benefit his eponymous Art Education Charitable Foundation.

Kobe Bryant’s game-worn jersey breaks all records
A week after Kobe Bryant’s posthumous induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame on 15 May, memorabilia belonging to the NBA great scored highly at auction – each coveted item is a piece of history of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Having earned two MVP titles and five championship wins, on top of playing in the NBA All-Star Games 18 times, Bryant won over the hearts of sports fans all over the world during his 20-year career. Niche auction house, Goldin Auctions, unsurprisingly garnered much buzz for the lots offered in its May Elite sale, especially for the late star’s Rookie Jersey — his earliest-known game-worn LA Lakers shirt – which went for a whopping US$3.69 million, making it the most expensive jersey ever sold.

Featuring Bryant’s signature on the front, the No.8 jersey has been photo-matched to four games during the 1996-97 NBA season, his rookie year, as well as his rookie photoshoot. It beat the previous priciest basketball shirt, Michael Jordan’s University of North Carolina jersey, by more than US$2 million, which fetched US$1.38 million at an auction just two weeks before.

Basquiat’s enigmatic ‘Versus Medici’ proves to be still relevant
Few contemporary artists enjoy the reputation of becoming a revolutionary influence and remaining relevant for decades. For Neo-expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat, however, he has managed to continue leaving his imprint on society even 30 years after his untimely passing at the age of 27.

Basquiat first made a splash on the streets of New York with works signed ‘SAMO’ in collaboration with fellow graffiti artist Al Diaz. He then blazed a brilliant trail in the ’80s, subsequently earning his standing as one the most influential artists of the 20th century.

The career of the youngest artist to take part in Documenta in Kassel, Germany, and the youngest to exhibit at the Whitney Biennial in New York, was cut short by his death from a heroin overdose in 1988. Still, his enigmatic masterpieces continue to draw praise. Versus Medici recently amassed the attention of those in attendance at the Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction in early May. The perplexing acrylic, oilstick and paper collage on three joined canvases, which had been off the market for a decade, realised a staggering US$50.8 million, proving the artist’s raw, gestural style of painting, grafitti-like images are still relevant till now.

Auction Highlights: The most desirable and highest commanding collectible items to go under the hammer

Featuring some of the most desirable and highest commanding collectibles that realised outstanding (and record-breaking) sums, at auction recently, from a stunning diamond bracelet, a historic Rolex Daytona, a beautifully illustrated medieval prayer book, and Kanye West’s record-breaking sneakers, these are the top bids that recently hit headlines…

An illustrated prayer book scores top bid
The Book of Hour is a medieval Christian prayer book organised by the time of day and comprised of beautifully illuminated texts, sumptuous page decorations, and portrait panels that reflected the wealth and discernment of well-to-do men and women. Recently a Parisian Book of Hours on vellum circa the 1440s went under the hammer for an outstanding US$3.6 million at Christie’s. Illustrated by the Master of the Paris Bartholomeus Anglicus, the tome remains complete and in pristine condition and is said to be the most richly illuminated work of its enigmatic creator.

A historical Rolex Daytona races into the money
The first iteration of the highly desirable Rolex Cosmograph Daytona can be traced back to 1963. Designed with the racing driver in mind, the chronograph become one of Rolex’s most-loved and hard-to-find models. This year, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 16516, found its way to Sotheby’s Important Watch sale, where it realised more than HK$24 million. Sporting a one-of-a-kind lacquered ‘Stella’ dial in turquoise, the 40mm timepiece remains in working condition with only minor blemishes and visible surface wear. According to the auction house, it is one of five models made that year nicknamed ‘Zenith’ for their Zenith calibre 4030 movements.

A magnificent jewel snapped up at showpiece sale
Hong Kong remains the precious heart of Asia when it comes to valuable diamonds and gems. The region’s insatiable appetite for large, high-quality stones proved to be unabated when a show-stopping Diamond and Rock Crystal Bangle sold for an astounding HK$46.9 million at auction on 21 April. A hot ticket item in Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale, this rare and phenomenal 63.66-carat pear-shaped internally flawless white diamond bracelet was rightly acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece by its creator, French luxury jeweller Cartier.

Kanye West’s record breaking sneakers
Recently, Kanye West’s 2008 ‘Grammy worn’ Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype sneakers went under the hammer at a private sale at Sotheby’s. The 13-year-old sports shoes fetched US$1.8 million, the highest publicly recorded price for a pair of sneakers, tripling the auction house’s record for being the most valuable sneakers ever sold. Nike Air Yeezy was the first collaboration by a major footwear label with a non-athlete. It was, at the time, Nike’s top-secret project that became “one of the most brilliant reveals in sneaker history and a pillar in the advent of modern sneaker culture”, according to Sotheby’s.

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Million Dollar Sneakers: Insanity or investment opportunity?

A Sotheby’s private auction held just over a month ago set a new record – that of the most expensive sneakers ever sold. The collectible in question was a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes worn by rapper Kanye West in 2008 at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, and fetched a staggering US$1.8 million. Outrageous? It may seem so to outsiders, but in fact, it is just the latest milestone for the burgeoning phenomenon that has come to be known as ‘sneaker culture’.

Sneaker culture thrives on the same mass collecting mentality that can be found for other collectibles like watches and wine, although in this case, it’s applied to the purchase and ownership of cool sports shoes. Be it stellar marketing, social media popularity or the influence of hip hop culture, there is now an entire sub-section of the fashion industry where coveted kicks reign supreme.

In truth, sneakers are nothing new. They first appeared back in the early 19th century, though unlike modern-day iterations, these were quite roughly crafted from canvas, featured rubber soles, and were mostly marketed as beachwear. It took nearly six decades for this flimsy footwear to become more refined and eventually capture the mass market’s interest.

As for etymology, unsurprisingly, they got their name simply because they were nearly inaudible underfoot, allowing wearers to quite literally ‘sneak’ up on you. The interesting fact is that sneakers emerged in early ’20s Germany, where an intrepid entrepreneur by the name Adi Dassler invented the first real sports shoe. It was clearly a success, and his company evolved into Adidas, one of the most recognisable athletic wear brands. However, it was in 1984 that sneakers became a status symbol. This was the year Nike collaborated with basketball superstar Michael Jordan and changed the world of sneakers forever.

In the intervening decades since that Damascene moment, the sneaker industry has grown beyond imagination, currently grossing an eye-watering US$60 billion each year, with that value predicted to grow to some US$95 billion within the next four years. What’s more, hundreds of millions are also spent by sports brands in continuing efforts to tempt buyers with ever-more exciting designs.

Heightening their popularity even further are the numerous multi-million-dollar collaboration deals that have sprung up between major brands like Adidas and Nike and celebrities such as Kanye West and LeBron James, binding fans from the worlds of sport, music and fashion.

The name of the game, in short, is to add to the prestige of what’s available, even, or maybe especially, when applied to a utilitarian accessory. Everyone can have a pair of Adidas shoes. Buying Yeezys, though, is akin to hitting gold. Also, with the entry of countless luxury design houses – Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Versace, to name but three – into the industry, sneakers have become even more of an aspirational accessory, enticing the wealthy elite to buy into the craze.

The recent record-breaking performance by the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes is, perhaps, the greatest indicator of this. But it is by no means the only pair of sneakers to reach stratospheric prices. Sotheby’s inaugural 2019 sneaker-dedicated sale saw a pair of Nike Waffle Racing Flat Moon Shoes sell for US$437,500. A year later, a pair of autographed, game-worn Nike Air Jordan 1s sold for US$560,000, which held the Guinness World Record until it was superseded by Kanye’s kicks this April.

But while not all ‘sneaker heads’ – as aficionados of this sporty footwear have dubbed themselves – can afford one-off designs at such staggering prices, it hasn’t stopped the most dedicated from attempting to amass as many pairs as they can afford. Take, for instance, US musician DJ Khaled, who is rumoured to own 10,000 pairs and even managed to collaborate with Jordan Brand – created by Nike for legendary basketballer Michael Jordan – to put his own spin on the Air Jordan 3s.

Another of the world’s biggest sneaker collections is actually in the hands of three 20-something sisters, Ariana, Dresden and Dakota Peters. Together, the trio own over 6,000 pairs of sneakers, including thousands of coveted designs such as Nike Air Force 1s and Air Jordans, as well as rare prototypes designed for celebrities and star athletes, and even a few whose existence have perplexed their maker, Nike. In total, the collection, which they inherited from their retired real-estate developer father, is said to be worth millions of US dollars.

Sneakers continue to appeal to consumers across the wealth spectrum, but, as with the rest of the fashion industry, sustainability and environmental concerns have definitely made an impact on this niche sector. And, when you look at the facts, these worries are surely justified.

Sneaker production is exceptionally carbon-intensive, accounting for about 1.4 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions (as compared to air travel, which in pre-Covid times produced 2.5 percent of such emissions). If it were a country, it would be the world’s 17th largest polluter. Furthermore, each year, some 23 billion pairs of sneakers are produced – often under exploitative conditions – and simultaneously, 300 million pairs are tossed into the rubbish pile. Given that many sneakers are predominantly fabricated from plastics or plastic-like materials, the devastating truth is that it will take decades for them to fully decompose in a landfill.

This is a major environmental issue, but there are ways to deal with it successfully, and one of them is switching to sustainable and ethical production as priorities when looking for stylish kicks. A good example of this is Adidas, who started making inroads into sustainable production in 2015 by utilising recycled ocean plastic in its products. It also launched Futurecraft Loop, a groundbreaking sneaker design that is made from 100 percent reusable thermoplastic polyurethane, a substance that can be repeatedly recycled after use. A growing list of brands has followed suit, focusing on creating footwear that is both ethically and sustainably produced.

Whether or not the entire industry can shift its mindset to a greener, more environmentally friendly production process is still up for debate, but it’s a problem that needs a real, long-term solution, especially given the continuing, unabated rise of sneaker culture across the world.