Masterpieces up for grabs
Rare art, furniture, jewellery, watches and wine are set to fetch HK$2.2 billion
Christie's Hong Kong hopes to bring rare collectibles to a wider audience with its autumn auctions and exhibitions, being held from today until Wednesday at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A series of events open to the public will coincide with the auctions, which will see more than 4,000 lots, estimated to be more than HK$2.2 billion, go under the hammer.
These items will be auctioned under six categories - Chinese classical and modern paintings (Monday and Tuesday), Asian 20th century and contemporary art (Saturday and Sunday), Chinese ceramics and works of art (Wednesday), jewellery (Tuesday), watches (Wednesday) and wine (today to Sunday).
A sale of fine Chinese furniture from private American collections is also among this season's highlights. This is the first time Christie's has held a dedicated sale in this category in Asia and it is expected to bring in excess of HK$50 million. Outstanding pieces include a pair of display cabinets (HK$2.4 million to HK$4 million), made entirely from huanghuali wood, and a pair of rare and large imperial zitan lantern stands, and lanterns (HK$2.4 million and HK$4 million) that were once owned by Dracula actor Bela Lugosi.
The sale of lacquerware from the Lee Family Collection is also highly anticipated. The Song, Yuan and Ming dynasty lacquerware was gathered by noted collector K.T. Lee and is one of the most studied collections in private hands.
Noteworthy pieces include an exceptionally rare tixi lacquer bowl stand from the Song dynasty (HK$6 million to HK$8 million). The subtle beauty of the heart-shaped designs carved through layers of different coloured lacquer is complemented by the elegantly lobed form of the stand, making this an important example of carved lacquer produced during the Song dynasty, which was one of the greatest periods of Chinese artistic creativity and workmanship.