On 3 December, Christie’s Hong Kong concluded its 2021 Autumn Auction season, achieving a record-breaking auction total of HK$3.8 billion / US$495 million, the highest ever for Christie’s in Asia. The results significantly exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with a 42% increase in sale value since 2019. The sales saw a combined sell-through rate of 90% by lot and 92% by value, with an average hammer price of 123% of the low estimate. 35 world auction records were set across multiple categories.

20^th and 21^st Century Art witnessed the highest ever sale total for the category in Asia at Christie’s of HK$2 billion / US$259 million, driven by masterpieces by established and celebrated icons and the emergence of fast-rising younger artists, with 24 artist world auction records smashed.

Chinese Paintings and Works of Art both secured market leadership in Asia, with combined sale totals of HK$602 million / US$78 million, and HK$351 million / US$45 million respectively. The Chinese Paintings sales recorded sell-through rates of 81% by lot and 95% by value, while Works of Art achieved a 100% sold, white glove sale with The Chang Wei-Hwa Collection of Archaic Jades Part III - Spring and Autumn & Warring States Periods. Prominent private collections commanded fervent bidding and exceptional prices in both categories.

The Luxury cluster kicked off the auction season with a superb start, which witnessed 100% sell-through rates for both Wine sales and 80% of lots surpassing high estimates. Handbags realised a sale total of HK$54.6 million / US$7.03 million, pushing the combined annual sale total in Asia to HK$125 million / US$16 million, which is the highest annual sale total ever for the category for any auction house worldwide. A world auction record for the most expensive handbag ever auctioned was broken by a Hermès Himalaya Diamond Kelly 28. The Watches department retained market leadership in Asia for three consecutive years in offering the most valuable and sought-after timepieces, achieving a combined sale total of HK$228 million / US$29 million and 4 world auction records. Last but not least, the Jewellery department retained its market leadership in Asia, with a sale total of HK$498 million / US$64 million, and an 87% sell-through rate by lot and value, rounding out a spectacular auction season and reaffirming Christie’s Hong Kong as a leading destination and global hub for art and luxury collectors globally.

We are now inviting consignments to our 2022 auctions.

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