HONG KONG.- The five sales of Sotheby’s Hong Kong Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art concluded on 8 October with a combined total of HK$1.26 billion / US$161.5 million (total estimate: HK$750 million / US$96 million*). Multiple records were set, including the top lot, A Massive Gilt-Bronze Figure of a Seated Shakyamuni Buddha which sold for HK$236.44 million / US$30.3 million (Expected to fetch in excess of HK$50 million / US$6.4 million) to Mr. Zheng Huaxing of Zhongshan Qujuezhai, Guangdong, to be returned to China, setting the World Auction Record For Chinese Sculpture.

Nicolas Chow, Sotheby’s Asia Deputy Chairman and International Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, said, “Our 40 year anniversary sale was an extraordinary success fuelled both by the quality and breadth of the various collections on offer, as well as the dramatic participation of clients from all around the globe. With the early 15th century gilt-bronze Buddha, we have set a record for any Asian work of art. While participation from our mainland clients was comparatively muted for the last couple of seasons, they have made an extraordinary comeback this season, with many of our top lots returning to China.”

OTHER NOTABLE PRICES AND RECORDS
• A Sublime Blue and White “Palace” Bowl, Mark and Period of Chenghua, sold for HK$141.24 million / US$18 million (Expected to achieve in excess of HK$80 million / US$10 million) to the preeminent Hong Kong Chinese ceramics dealer, William Chak of Chak’s Company Ltd., achieving The Second Highest Price For Ming Porcelain.

• A Qianlong Celadon-Glazed “Longevity” Ruyi-Handled Vase achieved HK$88.6 million / US$11.4 million (Est. HK$10 – 15 million / US$1.3 – 1.9 million), setting World Auction Record For Qing Monochrome Porcelain.

• A Dry Lacquer Head of Buddha from the Tang Dynasty from the Sakamoto Goro Collection achieved HK$40.44 million / US$5.2 million (Est. HK$20 – 30 million / US$2.6 – 3.9 million), setting World Auction Record For Tang Sculpture.