Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Lau Buys Cranes to Top Chinese WoA Sale

December 2, 2010 by Marion Maneker

Joseph Lau proudly paid $16.7 million for this pair of Cloissonné cranes that have sat in an English home for 150 years. The Wall Street Journal explains why the work ticks all the boxes of provenance, Imperial connection and quality easily justifying the price.

Indeed, Bloomberg reports that the action in Hong Kong during Christie’s sale of Chinese Works of Art was heated:

“There are some very aggressive bids out there,” said Johnny Chong, 50, a Hong Kong-based collector who paid HK$1.2 million for a Qing dynasty imperial edict with a HK$60,000 presale top estimate on behalf of a mainland collector. “Prices are mostly at the high end of expectations. But if you see something you really want, you just have to bite the bullet.” […] Yesterday’s other highlights included a pink-enameled blue and white moonflask from the Qianlong period that sold for HK$123.9 million, while a yellow-ground famille rose vase from the Jiaqing period (1796-1820) fetched HK$90.3 million. Both items went for more than three times their top estimates.

$16.7 Million for a Pair of Cranes (Scene Asia/Wall Street Journal)

Billionaire Lau’s $16.7 Million Birds Lift Christie’s to Hong Kong Record (Bloomberg)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Christie’s Announces 1000-year-old $50m Su Shi ScrollChristie’s Announces 1000-year-old $50m Su Shi Scroll
  • Sotheby’s Brings Pair to Re-Discovered Vase to Hong KongSotheby’s Brings Pair to Re-Discovered Vase to Hong Kong
  • French Regional Auction Sells Chinese Moonflask for $5.7mFrench Regional Auction Sells Chinese Moonflask for $5.7m
  • Chinese Chairs Spike 35x High Estimate at BonhamsChinese Chairs Spike 35x High Estimate at Bonhams
  • Sotheby’s Sets New $37.7m Record for Chinese Ceramic BowlSotheby’s Sets New $37.7m Record for Chinese Ceramic Bowl
  • Christie’s Astounding Fujita Sale Had Buyers Taking Home Multiple LotsChristie’s Astounding Fujita Sale Had Buyers Taking Home Multiple Lots

Filed Under: Auction Results Tagged With: Chinese Works of Art

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...