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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.

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

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

Fashion

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

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

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

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

The living area in Pauline Karpidas’ London home incorporates several flashes of animal print. Photo: Handout

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

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

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

A diamond brooch, which once belonged to Emperor Napoleon I and dates back to circa 1810, is set to be auctioned for the first time. Photo: Sotheby’s via PA Media/dpa

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

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

Chris Hall, a 73-year-old collector, has donated his entire collection of 3,000 Chinese textiles and his home to the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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 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

United States

US$5.3 million Mars meteorite caught up in row over who owns it

Sotheby’s insists the rock was exported legally but Niger, where the meteorite was found, is investigating the sale.

13 Aug 2025 - 3:51PM

The Martian meteorite NWA 16788 is displayed during a Sotheby’s auction preview in New York City on July 8. Photo: Reuters

Art

Ancient Buddhist gems returned to India after their Hong Kong auction stopped

The Piprahwa gems found near Buddha’s birthplace in 1898 have been repatriated after India pressured Sotheby’s to cancel their sale in May.

31 Jul 2025 - 11:45AM