The Extravagance and Brushstoke at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sale

<<Paulette Jourdain>> by Amedeo Madigliani (1844-1920), Estimate Upon Request

In the heart of cosmopolitan Hong Kong, where tradition seamlessly merges with modernity, Sotheby’s is set to host an unparalleled celebration of art, history, and refined taste this autumn. As Sotheby’s commemorate their 50th anniversary in Asia, Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sale starting from 2 to 13 October 2023 promises nights of sheer magnificence. Prepare to be mesmerized as we unveil curated masterpieces, artful blend of heritage, innovation, and luxury.

At the core of this grand soirée is ‘The Infinite Blue.’ It’s not just a diamond; it’s a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and a tribute to nature’s wonder. This 11.28-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ring, poised to steal the spotlight, symbolizes the pinnacle of opulence. In its depths, one finds the essence of eternity and the artistry of the ages, encapsulated within a single, breathtaking gem.

A Magnificent and Important Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond and Diamond Ring, Estimate HK$208,000,000 – 288,000,000
Photo from: Sotheby’s


Embark on a captivating journey with ‘A Long Journey,’ an exclusive showcase from the esteemed Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei Collection. Chinese art, modern marvels, and contemporary creations merge harmoniously, offering a glimpse into the evolution of creativity. Among them, the pièce de résistance, ‘Sous un grand arbre d’été – 05.07.54’ by Zao Wou-Ki, stands as a beacon of artistic genius, inviting patrons to delve into its intricate layers of meaning.

<<Plunge>> by Kerry James Marshell (B.1955)
<<Still Life>> by Nicolas Party (B.1980), Estimate HK$20,000,000 – 30,000,000
<<Coda>> by Bridget Riley (B.1931), Estimate HK$8,000,000 – 16,000,000
<<A Picture of a Lion>> by David Hockney (B.1937), Estimate HK$42,000,000 -55,000,000
<<On Time>> by Alex Katz (B.1927), Estimate HK$12,000,000 – 18,000,000
<<Kind of Blue>> by Stanley Whitney (B.1946), Estimate HK$3,500,000 – 5,000,000
<<Sea of Flowers No.1>> by Wang Xingwei (B.1969), Estimate HK$2,000,000 – 3,000,000


In the Contemporary Evening Auction, tradition meets innovation in an awe-inspiring collision of creativity. Gerhard Richter, Willem de Kooning, Julia Mehretu, and other visionaries take center stage, showcasing the seamless transition from the 20th to the 21st century. Their works, vibrant and thought-provoking, challenge norms and redefine artistic boundaries, making a profound statement about the world we live in today.

<<Flowers that speak all about my heart given to the sky>> by Yayoi Kusama (B. 1929), Estimate HK$22,000,000 – 28,000,000
<<And then 1000 (A Deep Ocean of Ultramarine)>> by Takashi Murakami (B.1962), Estimate HK$2,200,000 – 3,500,000
<<It won’t be easy>> by Javier Calleja (B.1978), Estimate HK$2,800,000 – 3,500,000
<<Chii-chan>> by Yayoi Kusama (B.1929), Estimate HK$3,500,00 – 5,500,000

‘Prehistoric Earth’ invites enthusiasts to peer into the depths of time, unveiling fossils that whisper tales of Earth’s ancient secrets. The juvenile Gryposaur from the Late Cretaceous period and the remarkably preserved Woolly Mammoth skull from the Pleistocene era are not just relics; they are portals to an era long past, where nature’s grandeur reigns supreme, encapsulated in these extraordinary specimens.

Woolly Mammoth Skull, Estimate HK$2,400,000 – 4,000,000

With the Leshantang Collection, Sotheby’s pays tribute to the legacy of avid collectors, curating a treasury of Chinese art that transcends time. From classical elegance to modern innovation, these pieces reflect the rich tapestry of China’s artistic heritage, each stroke and hue telling a story of cultural significance and artistic brilliance.

<<Sous un grand arbre d’été – 05.07.54>> by Zao Wou-ki (1920-2013), Estimate Upon Request
<<Gilder>> by Dana Schutz (B.1976), Estimate HK$5,500,000 – 7,500,000
<<Im weg liegen>> by Miriam Cahn (B.1949), Estimate HK$600,000 – 950,000
<<Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa-oki nami-ura)>>, also known as The Great Wave, by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), Estimate HK$4,000,000 – 6,000,000

In ‘Important Watches I,’ aficionados will find a treasure trove of horological marvels, a testament to the art of precision and timeless elegance. Meanwhile, ‘The Impeccable Burgundy Collection Part II’ invites connoisseurs to savor the finest names in Burgundy and Champagne, each bottle a testament to the artistry of winemaking, encapsulating the essence of an era within its exquisite flavors.

[Left] Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary, Estimate US$350,000 – 450,000
[Right] Ferrari Giallo Modena F50, Estimate US$3,800,000 – 4,500,000

Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sale transcends the ordinary, inviting patrons into a world where elegance meets extravagance, and every brushstroke and carat tells a story of unparalleled beauty. Join the autumn sale where the extraordinary becomes the norm, and the art of indulgence finds its truest expression. Please visit Sotheby’s for more details.