Celebrating 10 Years of Artful Triumph at Christie's Shanghai Auction

In the glittering world of art and collectibles, Christie’s has been a beacon of excellence for nearly three decades in Mainland China. To celebrate a remarkable milestone, Christie’s marked its 10th Shanghai Auction Anniversary with a series of dazzling events, culminating in a live sale that left the art world spellbound. From previews in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Hong Kong to the grand finale in Shanghai, the celebrations showcased the best in art, jewelry, and more, ultimately achieving a combined live sale total of CNY257,773,214/ HK$277,606,415/ US$35,641,784.

Christie’s President, APAC, Francis Belin, expressed his pride in the journey Christie’s has undertaken in Shanghai, saying, “We are proud to have marked a decade of investment and auctions in Shanghai, and reinforced our commitment to empowering collectors across Asia through this diverse and quality line-up of auctions and events, which was brilliantly received.” The enthusiasm from collectors in the region was palpable, with both seasoned connoisseurs and young collectors participating eagerly. This success sets the stage for Christie’s upcoming Hong Kong Autumn Auctions and marquee week sales worldwide.

In honour of the 10th Shanghai Auction Anniversary, Christie’s organised spectacular live and online sales that spanned Shanghai and Hong Kong, resulting in the impressive combined live sale total. The Shanghai Live Sales alone totalled CNY177,000,600/ US$24,473,519, with a remarkable 140% hammer price above the low estimate. This extensive series of sales catered to the diverse tastes of Mainland China’s collectors, spanning categories like 20th/21st Century Art, Classic Art, Jewelry, Handbags, and even the legendary Moutai. A historic highlight of the event was the debut of the Classic Art Category in Mainland China with the landmark sale of an Einstein Manuscript for over CNY 9 Million.

The Hong Kong 20th/21st Century Art Live Sale, on the other hand, was a testament to the mastery of Asian artists. The live sale achieved a total of HK$86,987,300/ US$11,168,265 and was led by iconic artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Liu Ye, and Zao Wou-Ki. Millennial artists also shone brightly, surpassing estimates, with remarkable contributions from Ayako Rokkaku, Emi Kuraya, Fang Yuan, and Zhang Yexing.

Highlights of the auctions:

<<*Untitled>> by Yoshitomo Nara (B.1959): Price realised CNY2,520,000/ Estimate CNY1,800,000 – 2,800,000*

*<<The Dream of Flight>> by María Berrío (B.1982): Price realised CNY3,528,000/ Estimate CNY1,800,000 – 2,800,000*

(Left) <<Wind>> by Liu Ye (B. 1964): Price realised HK$11,870,000/ Estimate HK$9,000,000 – 15,000,000
(Right) <<Infinity Nets (GGF)>> by Yayoi Kusama (B.1929): Price realised HK$16,710,000/ Estimate HK$13,800,000 – 18,800,000

*Autograph manuscript signed (‘A. Einstein’), ‘Altes und Neues zur Feld-Theorie’, [Berlin, before 3 February 1929]: Price realised CNY9,375,000/ Estimate CNY7,000,000 – 10,800,000*

Christie’s Shanghai Auction 10th Anniversary live sale was not merely an auction; it was a celebration of art, culture, and the enduring spirit of collecting. It marked a glorious chapter in Christie’s history in mainland China, offering a glimpse into the passion and dedication of both the auction house and the collectors who continue to make it shine. As the art world eagerly anticipates Christie’s Hong Kong Autumn Auctions, one thing is certain: the legacy of Christie’s in Asia is stronger than ever, and its future is bound to be just as spectacular as its past.

^{Source: Christie’s}