From 26-27 September, Christie’s presented the 20th/21st Century Autumn Auctions in Hong Kong which totalled HK$817,277,400 / US$105,529,147, and were the highest value auctions in the Asia market this season. Competitive bidding for the high quality, diverse, and fairly priced offerings across the Evening and Day Sales led to a sell-through rate of 96% by lot, and an exceptional hammer price of 121% above the low estimate. Collectors from 32 countries spanning 5 continents joined the sale, with contribution from across Asia led by Greater China. The presence of new buyers grew versus last year, and 20% of all buyers were new to the sales, more than half of which were Millennials.
The leading lot, Picasso’s Buste de femme (HK$196,750,000 / US$25,404,911) broke the Asia auction record for the artist and is the sixth highest value 20th/21st Century work sold globally so far this year. The auctions saw success across all price bands, with the Day Sales achieving a remarkable 97% sell-through rate by lot, and a hammer price of 136% above the low estimate.
Cristian Albu, Deputy Chairman, Head of 20th and 21st Century Art, Christie’s Asia Pacific, commented: “The results this season reflect Christie’s leadership in sourcing, pricing, and stewarding 20th and 21st Century art in Asia. From the sensational sale of the Picasso, which is now the most expensive work by the artist ever sold in Asia, to the demand for our Chinese Modern selection which was all sold, led by the beautiful Zao Wou-Ki – our selection was diverse, international, and of absolute quality across our Evening and Day Sales. We offered what collectors are demanding and they responded with passionate bidding. I am incredibly proud of our team for what we presented to the market.”
Jacky Ho, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of Department, 20th and 21st Century Art, Christie’s Asia Pacific, commented: “We are delighted with the strong engagement from collectors globally in our sales, with Greater China leading the activity from across Asia, which shows the strength of this market. Our selection of works was strategically global in scope and embraced a rich variety of art from across Asia which was very well received, with pieces by Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean artists all 100% sold.”
20th/21st Century Evening Sale Highlights
20th Century Day Sale Highlights
21st Century Day Sale Highlights
As Christie’s reaches the first anniversary of its move to The Henderson, we celebrate a year of milestones and achievements with a three-month series of Autumn Auctions:
26 & 27 September 2025: 20th/21st Century Evening Sale; 20th & 21st Century Day Sales
28-30 October & 3 November 2025: Hong Kong Asian Art Week
28-29 October | Chinese Paintings
30 October | Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
3 November | Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art
21-22 & 24-27 November 2025: Luxury Marquee Week
21-22 November | Wine
24 November | Handbags & Accessories
25 November | Jewellery
26-27 November | Watches
This celebration highlights Christie’s leadership in presenting exceptional art and luxury and its dedication to delivering world-class and unparalleled experiences for collectors worldwide.
