STYLE Edit: More than HK$780 million of Asian art up for grabs at the China Guardian Hong Kong Autumn Auctions 2019

Sep 24 , 2019

Nara Yoshimoto’s ethereal pop art work Midnight Vampire is estimated to sell for HK$18 to HK$25 million at the China Guardian Hong Kong Autumn Auction.

Nara Yoshimoto’s pop art, sculpture by Li Chen, a Georges Mathieu abstract and modern art canvases from Liu Ye and Zao Wou-Ki among top lots from speciality auction house, which rivals peers at Sotheby’s or Christie’s

Would you pay HK$25 million for a painting of a girl with protruding fangs? Or would you have HK$8 million to splash on a nebulous black sculpture instead?

Since its first auction in 2012, China Guardian Auctions’ Hong Kong subsidiary has earned a reputation for putting fine Chinese art, calligraphy and ceramics, contemporary Asian art, antiques and jewellery on the auction block. With a specialised focus on Chinese art and artefacts, China Guardian has leapt from strength to strength, setting new sales records each year, and is now an established rival to its peers at Sotheby’s or Christie’s.

Hommage à Watteau by Georges Mathieu – and predicted to sell for HK$5 to HK$8 million.

With Hong Kong secure in its position as a global art hub, the China Guardian Hong Kong Autumn Auctions 2019 is set for October. With 1,800 lots overall, valued at HK$780 million – and more than 160 lots in the coveted Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art sale alone, estimated to total more than HK$110 million – this season has a much broader scope than the spring edition, and represents one of the auction house’s most ambitious collections to date.

Lots will be auctioned in either the Pop Art II – inspired by the success of last year’s Pop Art sale – or Spirit of Calligraphy sections. Pop Art II will illuminate the growing interest in this diverse format among younger art buyers, while Spirit of Calligraphy will demonstrate the influence of Asian calligraphy on artists around the world, as well as how the form continues to innovate.

Li Chen’s two-metre tall sculpture, Dragon-Riding Buddha, is estimated to go for between HK$4 and HK$8 million

Among the many highlights in this year’s sale are Nara Yoshimoto’s ethereal pop art work Midnight Vampire, estimated to sell for HK$18 to HK$25 million; Li Chen’s two-metre tall sculpture, Dragon-Riding Buddha, estimated to go for between HK$4 and HK$8 million; the abstract Hommage à Watteau by Georges Mathieu, predicted to sell for HK$5 to HK$8 million; Liu Ye’s iconic Lost Balance, estimated at HK$5.5 to HK$7.5 million; and Zao Wou-Ki’s enigmatic 24.01.73, expected to fetch between HK$15 and HK$20 million.

The China Guardian Hong Kong Autumn Auction (plus previews) will take place from October 5 to 8, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

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