On 23 and 24 November, Christie's Hong Kong held a series of five 20th Century & Contemporary Art sales, totalling HK$1.24 billion / US$159.7 million with a combined sell through rate of 84%.
The three evening sales together realised HK$1.06 billion / US$136.48 million, the highest ever total achieved at Christie's Hong Kong. HI-LITE, which offered a fresh curation of neo-contemporary pop works, was 100% sold.
The series of sales was led by Sanyu's Five Nudes, which sold for HK$304 million / US$39 million, setting a new auction record for the artist. It is also the highest priced artwork sold at auction in Asia in 2019.
Twenty-five auction records for Asian and Western artists were set, including Kim Whan-ki's 05-IV-71 #200 (Universe), which realised HK$102 million / US$13 million, becoming the most expensive Korean artwork ever sold at auction.
Yoshitomo Nara’s defining masterwork
Can’t Wait ‘til the Night Comes was offered in a dedicated evening sale, an unprecedented sale strategy highlighting the painting’s tremendous importance within both the artist’s oeuvre and the offerings at auction this season. The monumental painting received enthusiastic bidding from collectors in the saleroom to achieve HK$93 million / US$12 million.
Exceptional private collections, such as The Tuan Pham Collection of Vietnamese art also sold 100%.
The strong results demonstrate Christie's leadership in offering masterpieces, curated in close collaboration with our international specialists, and is a testament to our drive for continuous innovation and efforts in engaging the new generation of collectors.
If you are interested in a complimentary and confidential appraisal, please contact acahk@christies.com