CHRISTIE’S HONG KONG CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS A History of Unmatched Excellence as Sales Exceed HK$2.07 billion/US$267 million
Reaching 57% Market Share, 12th Consecutive Year of Leadership in Asia
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Hong Kong - Christie’s Hong Kong, Asia’s premier auctioneer, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2006. Leading
the Asian auction market and standing at the forefront of Christie’s successful and thriving business venture in
Asia, Christie’s Hong Kong has offered an unparalleled platform for the sale and acquisition of works of art, and
has achieved extraordinary results over the past two decades.
The inaugural sale of Christie’s Hong Kong was conducted in January 1986. The auction featured 19th and 20th
Century Chinese paintings and jadeite jewellery, achieving a total of over HK$14 million/US$1.79 million. A
year later, Chinese ceramics and works of art sales were added to the sales calendar. From just two sales a year,
the schedule now offers up to ten main sale catalogues each year as the biannual series of sales has continued to
expand and grow. A vibrant programme ranges from Asian art from the historic past right through to the
cutting-edge contemporary arts through to Western jewellery and watches.
In 2005, Christie’s Hong Kong realized a total of over HK$2.07 billion/US$267 million, the highest annual sales
total ever achieved by any auction house in Asia. In particular, the sales of Asian art achieved a total of over
HK$1.4 billion/US$190 million, setting a record annual total for any Asian art auctions series held anywhere in
the world. Christie’s market share stands at 57% in Asia, marking 12th consecutive year ahead of its principal
competitor. The overwhelming success reaffirms Christie’s leadership position in the region.
Mr. Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s International, said: “Over the last two decades we
have witnessed one of the most exciting periods in the 240-year history of the Christie’s group. Nowhere has this
growth been more significant than in Asia. The increasing number of clients in the region has underpinned the
continued development of the market. Historically, Christie’s had the vision to develop the art market in Asia
with a clear focus on exceptional expertise and excellent services. We are very proud to have played a pivotal role
in the evolution of the auction market in Asia.”
Page 2 of 6
“This region will continue to be a prime growth area within the global art business and continues to offer
opportunities to both buyers and to sellers. In the years ahead, we will endeavour to foster our long-term
commitment by further expanding our markets and investment in the region. We believe that Christie’s Hong
Kong will continue to set key benchmarks and consolidate its leading role.”
20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Christie’s Hong Kong will host a series of activities, including gala events,
educational seminars and special viewings throughout the year. Special publications recording the phenomenal
successes and accomplishments of each specialist department will be issued. Exhibitions of the New York,
London and Geneva sales featuring some of the rarest and most valuable objects in the world will also be staged.
These include preview in April of Christie’s New York Impressionist & Modern art sale featuring L'Arlésienne,
Madame
