HONG KONG.- Christie’s announces the highlights of its Hong Kong annual sale of Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art, to be held live on 30 October 2026 during Hong Kong Asian Art Week. Bringing together a selection of rare and fresh-to-market masterpieces and important single-owner collections, the auction features works of remarkable quality and provenance, reflecting the growing appeal of the category among collectors across Asia and around the world.

Leading the sale is an exceptional Green Schist Gable Relief (image above), dating to the 2nd/3rd century and ranking among the finest and most complete narrative reliefs of its kind remaining in private hands. Unseen on the market for nearly two decades, this remarkable work reflects the artistic synthesis of Indian Buddhist imagery and classical Mediterranean influences that defined some of the most accomplished sculpture of the period.

Arranged across five registers beneath an elaborate double-arched gable, the relief centres on the celebrated Dipankara episode, framed by key scenes from the life of the Buddha and rendered with exceptional clarity and sculptural precision. Created to adorn the drum or false gable of a stupa, such panels served as visual narratives for devotees during ritual circumambulation. Distinguished by crisp modelling, richly carved architectural ornament, and exceptionally rare traces of original gilding, the work survives in a remarkable state of preservation.

Another masterpiece in the sale is a monumental silver- and copper-inlaid bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, dating to the 10th–11th century. Likely conceived as the principal devotional image for a major temple, the sculpture is distinguished by its exceptional scale, refined casting, silver-inlaid eyes, and copper-inlaid lips, ranking among the very few surviving monumental bronzes of its kind. Offered at auction for the first time in more than 25 years, the work stands as a remarkable testament to the rarity, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance of Buddhist sculpture from this formative period.





A SILVER AND COPPER INLAID COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF AVALOKITESHVARA,
10TH–11TH CENTURY
23⅝ in. (60 cm.) high, metal stand
Estimate: HK$8,000,000–12,000,000 / US$1,100,000–1,500,000

Featured among the sale highlights are two exceptional bronze sculptures that trace nearly six centuries of artistic achievement in Buddhist sculpture: a rare 8th-century Licchavi-period gilt-copper figure of Manjushri, a significant example of early bronze casting; and a 14th-century Khasa Malla-period gilt copper alloy figure of Akshobhya Buddha, a finely preserved devotional image exemplifying the sophisticated sculptural and metalworking traditions of its time.

A GILT COPPER FIGURE OF MANJUSHRI,
LICCHAVI PERIOD, CIRCA 8TH CENTURY
12⅝ in. (32 cm.) high
Estimate: HK$4,000,000–6,000,000 /
US$520,000–770,000

A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF AKSHOBHYA BUDDHA,
KHASA MALLA PERIOD, CIRCA 14TH CENTURY
10¼ in. (26 cm.) high
Estimate: HK$2,500,000–3,500,000 /
US$320,000–450,000

In 2026, Christie’s, the world-leading art and luxury business, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in Asia. Over the last four decades, Christie’s has established itself as Asia’s leading house, orchestrating many of the region’s most historic and record-breaking sales of exceptional objects and collections, driving region-wide expansion, and pioneering digital innovations that have redefined the way Asian collectors connect with and experience the industry. To celebrate this milestone, Christie’s is presenting a year-long programme of art and luxury sales, exhibitions and events across the region.