A RECORD TOTAL FOR ANY SERIES OF AUCTIONS IN ASIA Christie’s Asian Art, Watches and Jewellery Spring Auctions held in Hong Kong
from 29 May to 1 June realized a spectacular total of HK$990,469,000 (US$127,310,000),
An exceptional classical Chinese painting Deer in an Autumn Forest by Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang
Shining, 1688-1768) achieved HK$20,280,000 (US$2,636,400), establishing a world auction record
for the artist. Almost all paintings by Giuseppe Castiglione were painted for court and are housed in
the Palace Museums in Beijing and Taipei. It is indeed very rare for any Lang Shining painting of this
high quality to appear in the market.
The sale of Important Watches on 31 May totalled HK$68 million (US$8.8 million). A Patek Philippe
limited edition platinum self-winding minute repeating wristwatch sold for HK$4,152,000
(US$539,760), establishing a world auction record for this model. This reference 5029 was produced
in 1997 to commemorate the opening of the new Patek Philippe factory in Geneva and only 30
examples were produced.
The Magnificent Jewellery & Jadeite Jewellery sale on 1 June realized in excess of HK$223.9 million
(US$28.7 million). The top lot is a magnificent pendant necklace of Asscher-cut and rectangular-cut
fancy vivid yellow diamonds totalling 42.41 carats, which sold for HK$20,392,000 (US$2,621,080).
An oval-cut fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring of 3.10 carats realized HK$14,120,000
(US$1,814,910).
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Of particular interest in the sale is a rare unmounted pear-shaped faint brown diamond of 120.20
carats which sold for HK$14,120,000 (US$1,814,910) after furious bidding, against the pre-sale
estimate of HK$4,800,000-6,400,000 (US$600,000-800,000). It is the largest diamond ever offered at
auction in Asia, and the 8th largest pear-shaped diamond known to exist.
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Images available on request
Visit Christie’s Web site at www.christies.com
