Across 21 auctions held over eight days Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Auctions achieved a combined HK$3.5 billion (US$446 million) – the highest autumn total for Sotheby’s in Asia in four years. Among the thrilling highlights, the Williamson Pink Star, which sold for US$58 million, set the world record per carat price for any diamond or gemstone; a yangcai reticulated vase dating to the Qianlong period from the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan saw more than 80 bids placed, fetching US$22.6 million; a Late Ming dynasty folding horseshoe-back chair from the private collection of Sir Joseph Hotung sold for US$16 million, setting a world auction record for a Chinese chair; while Sanyu’s Branches sold for US$11 million and Pablo Picasso’s Femme assise à la galette des rois achieved US$9.73 million. The appetite for exquisite craftsmanship, the revival of momentum for Chinese art, and the continued demand for significant works of Modern and Contemporary art were among the many insights witnessed across the week of the finest art and luxury.

Asia

Hong Kong Sales & Exhibition 2023