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Sotheby’s

The latest news and top stories on Sotheby’s. A leading entity in the art auction and luxury goods sector, British-founded Sotheby’s is headquartered in New York City, USA, with a global network spanning 40 countries including a significant presence in Hong Kong. It specialises in brokering fine art, jewellery, collectibles and luxury real estate through auctions and private sales. Primarily serving high-net-worth individuals and institutions, Sotheby’s is renowned for its expertise, global reach and pioneering expansion into Asian markets. Its overall business focus is on innovation, digital engagement and offering a comprehensive suite of services to its discerning clientele.

A social media trend takes on an ancient Chinese tradition in the form of rolling a pair of walnuts around in your hand until they turn into “jade”. Photo: YouTube/ growithjessie

Chinese culture

Turning walnuts into ‘jade’? Social media goes nuts over old Chinese tradition

You will not actually make jade by rolling walnuts around in your palm, but this Chinese tradition can boost hand strength and calm anxiety.

13 Apr 2026 - 7:15AM

Art

Sold-out auctions suggest Hong Kong’s art market is back. But is it?

8 Apr 2026 - 7:15AM

Art Basel

Hong Kong’s live art auctions are thriving thanks to Picasso and Nara

8 Apr 2026 - 7:00AM

My Life

Philip Tinari on his global journey through art and culture

After 20 years in Beijing, Tai Kwun’s new deputy director and head of art talks about why Hong Kong is now the place to be.

28 Mar 2026 - 6:00AM

Philip Tinari, an American writer, critic, art curator and expert in Chinese contemporary art, was recently appointed as deputy director and head of art at Tai Kwun Hong Kong. Photo: Jocelyn Tam

Style Edit

Style Edit: Sotheby’s Hong Kong presents a history of abstract art

From ancient artefacts to Joan Mitchell and Mark Rothko, “Beyond the Abstract” is the most sweeping survey of abstract art ever shown in Greater China.

26 Mar 2026 - 1:25PM

United States

Triceratops skeleton ‘Trey’ to hit the auction block as dinosaur market soars

The 66-million-year-old fossil, for sale on musician Pharrell Williams’ auction platform Joopiter, is expected to fetch up to US$5.5 million.

3 Mar 2026 - 2:24AM

Art

Qatar is making a bold new cultural play, from Art Basel to museums

All eyes are on the growing cultural scene in the Middle East, thanks in no small part to the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, held in Doha.

19 Feb 2026 - 5:15PM

Palestinian artist Hazem Harb’s artwork on show at Art Basel Qatar, presented by Tabari Artspace, in February 2026. The debut of Art Basel Qatar signals Doha’s ambition to become the Middle East’s leading art hub. Photo: Art Basel

Fashion

What’s hot at New York Fashion Week, from Calvin Klein to Coach

Blackpink’s Jennie attended Calvin Klein’s show, Dakota Fanning and Anna Wintour turned out for Michael Kors, and Proenza Schouler’s Rachel Scott made her debut.

16 Feb 2026 - 1:36PM

Performing arts in Hong Kong

7 of the best arts stories of 2025, including a new Labubu-style soft toy

From Wallis Simpson to prize-winning Hong Kong pianist Aristo Shum, here are 7 arts stories that really drew in the readers in 2025.

29 Dec 2025 - 4:15PM

Britain

Elusive street artist Banksy unveils latest work in central London

The artist confirms a new mural - as a mysterious, identical piece appears just kilometres away.

23 Dec 2025 - 11:43AM

A new mural by anonymous artist Banksy, in Bayswater, London on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Art

Big 3 auction houses report uptick in 2025 sales, but Asia still lagging

Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips report combined projected total revenue of US$14.1 billion for 2025 as the US leads the way.

22 Dec 2025 - 5:24PM

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s 1940 work El sueño (La cama) sells at Sotheby’s new home at the Breuer in New York for US$54.7 million including fees on November 20, 2025. Photo: Julian Cassady

Malaysia 1MDB scandal

Malaysia to get back US$30 million worth of fine art linked to 1MDB scandal

The 12 artworks, including pieces by Picasso and Matisse, were bought by a former lawyer for the state investment fund.

15 Dec 2025 - 2:33PM

Architecture and design

Animal print interiors: expert tips on how to keep them classy

Long tied to glamour and excess, animal prints are back – here’s how to use them to add energy and character to modern homes.

24 Nov 2025 - 6:00PM

Art

Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait breaks auction record for female artists

The sale at Sotheby’s in New York also topped Kahlo’s own auction record for a work by a Latin American artist.

22 Nov 2025 - 12:18PM

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s 1940 self-portrait “El sueno (La cama)“ sold on November 20 at Sotheby’s new home at the Breuer in New York for $54.7 million including fees. It became the top-selling work by any female artist at an auction. Photo: Julian Cassady/Alive Coverage

Auctions

Hong Kong’s autumn high jewellery auctions: rare gems and record-breaking sales

The season climaxes this month at Christie’s, with strong demand at Sotheby’s for jewels by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari.

13 Nov 2025 - 10:47AM

Harry Winston Peacock Brooch. Photo: Christie’s

Crime

UK seizes US$15 million in dinosaur bones from Chinese money-laundering suspect

The Chinese businessman was previously wanted for involvement in Singapore’s biggest money-laundering case but has since struck a deal.

6 Nov 2025 - 3:03AM

Britain

Historic diamond brooch abandoned by defeated Napoleon to go up for sale

The brooch, left behind after the French emperor fled Waterloo’s battlefield, will be sold to the highest auction bidder on November 12.

24 Oct 2025 - 10:55PM

How luxury is made

The leathers behind the world’s most iconic luxury brands

Houses including Hermès, Prada and Bottega Veneta have taken to producing their own unique leathers, each perfected to suit a particular bag.

15 Oct 2025 - 4:00AM

Leather has been a key component in Hermès’ creations since the maison was founded in 1837. Photo: Handout

Timepieces

Watch aficionados assembled for a celebration of vintage watches at Rolliefest

Collectors of rare watches gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last month for Rolliefest – it’s invitation only, and tickets are at US$1,600.

14 Oct 2025 - 12:00PM

Hong Kong economy

The ‘Wah’ factor: collector donates 3,000 Chinese textiles to Hong Kong museum

Chris Hall opens up his home on The Peak and talks about collection amassed over decades that will now go to Hong Kong Palace Museum.

5 Oct 2025 - 6:52PM

Art

Hong Kong’s latest art auctions see turnover lingering at 8-year low

Overall auction sales by Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips reflected art market downturn since 2016, despite the sale of Asia’s most expensive Picasso.

1 Oct 2025 - 8:53PM

Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s incoming Asia-Pacific president, stands at the rostrum during the sale of Pablo Picasso’s Buste de femme (1944) on September 26, 2025. The painting, which sold for HK$197 million, set an auction record for a Picasso piece in Asia. Photo: Christie’s

Food and Drinks

Emperor Group’s Albert Yeung will auction his rare wine trove at Sotheby’s

The embattled Hong Kong tycoon is selling 426 prestigious wines, ranging from rare bottles of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti to Petrus.

30 Aug 2025 - 5:00PM

Hong Kong property tycoon Albert Yeung is offering 426 bottles of fine wine at Sotheby’s on September 10. Photo: Sotheby’s

Hong Kong culture

Turning back the comic book pages of Old Master Q

Alfonso Wong’s beloved comic strip still resonates with generations of Hongkongers nostalgic for a simpler time.

17 Aug 2025 - 6:15AM