HONG KONG.- In an intense bidding competition which lasted 22 minutes (normally a lot takes one minute), the famous 15th century Thangka was sold for a record HK$348,400,000 (US$45million). It was knocked down to Jinqing Cai, President of Christie’s China, who spoke in Mandarin. She was competing with François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Asia Pacific, who spoke in English. There were several other bidders on the phone and the packed saleroom several times broke into applause. This is a record for any Chinese works of art sold by an international auction house.

It was later revealed that the buyer of the Thangka is Mr. Liu Yiqian, the well-known Chinese collector who is purchasing it for his recently opened Long Museum in Shanghai. Immediately after the auction, Mr. Liu on the phone said, “I am proud to bring back to China this significant and historic 15th century Thangka which will be preserved in the Long museum for years to come.”

Drawn by the Senses
Total: HK$69,875,000 / US$9,055,800 / €7,294,950 / £5,792,638
Top Lot: Lot 2950 | A Rare Robin’s Egg-Glazed Censer, Yongzheng Impressed Six-Character Seal Mark And Of The Period (1736-1795) | Price Realized: HK$7,240,000 / US$938,304 / €755,856 / £600,196

Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
Total: HK$297,723,750 / US$38,584,998 / €31,082,360 / £24,681,299
Top Lot: Lot 3276 | A Magnificent Fine Celadon-Glazed Archaistic Vase, Hu, Qianlong Six-Character Seal Mark In Underglaze Blue And Of The Period (1736-1795) | Price Realized: HK$43,800,000 / US$5,676,480 / €4,572,720 / £3,631,020

Important Watches
Total: HK$134,796,875/US$17,469,675/£11,174,661 / €14,072,794
Top Lot: Lot 2522 | Patek Philippe, Ref. 1579. A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch. Manufactured In 1947. | Price Realized: HK$4,720,000 / US$611,712 / £391,288 / €492,768

“Christie’s Important Watches auction generated much attention from enthusiasts from the world over. Patek Philippe and independent watchmakers dominated the top selling lots. An extremely rare 1947 Patek Philippe stainless steel chronograph along with two incredibly lightweight Richard Mille Tonneau-shaped Skeletonised Tourbillon watches attracted considerable interest. Highlighting the art of minature enamelling, a Patek Philippe pocket watch reached double its high estimate. The auction signals that unique and rare horological timepieces, including modern and vintage watches, continue to be desired by discerning collectors,” said Frederic Watrelot, Vice President of Christie’s Asia and Head of Christie’s Hong Kong Watches Department.