Analysis
Highlights of China Guardian $44 Million Fall Auctions
Chinese paintings and calligraphy got top dollar but ceramics are in demand.
China Guardian wrapped up its recent round of fall sales in Hong Kong, including Chinese painting and calligraphy, porcelain, oil painting, sculpture, jadeite, and jewelry. In all, the two-day series of sales held October 6–7, brought in over $44 million (HKD 343 million), a solid result though perhaps lacking some of the fireworks seen at Sotheby’s and Christie’s sales (see “World Records Tumble at Hong Kong Auctions.”)
According to a statement from Hu Yanyan, president of China Guardian, “the volume of transactions of Chinese painting and calligraphy and 20th-century and modern arts stay ahead of other collectibles and the turnover is slightly over that of the spring auctions.” Hu cited growth in the sale volume of jade and porcelain as well.
While paintings and calligraphy remain the most popular category of the Hong Kong China Guardian sales, ceramics and contemporary art are also enjoying increasing popularity among Asian collectors in Hong Kong. Among the strongest performing works across the sale series was an underglazed blue and yellow enamel floral scroll bottle vase which sold for $3.6 million (HKDÂ 27.6 million) and a painting by Chu Teh-Chun, Aspirations, which sold for $1.1 million (HKD 8.6 million). That work was included in the 20th-century and contemporary Chinese art category. See our slideshow above for other highlights of the series.
Not surprisingly, the highlights included names on artnet News’ list of the top Chinese artists (see “Who Are Top Chinese Artists at Auction?“), including, among others, Chu Teh-Chun and Wu Guanzhong.
Follow Artnet News on Facebook:
Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and incisive critical takes that drive the conversation forward.
Article topics
