Hong Kong – Bonhams' Spring Asian Art Week concluded with a combined sales total exceeding HK$200 million across six live auctions. The series included three Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art sales and two themed sales for the Jules Speelman Collection on 5 May, following the Chinese Paintings sale on 29 April. This strong total reflects a 56% year-on-year increase, and a 23% rise compared to the previous season.
Leading the series was An Important Massive Imperial Gilt Copper-Alloy Figure of Longnü from the Chongzhen period, Ming Dynasty, dated to 1641, which realized HK$27,074,000 after more than 20 bids in the Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale. Another highlight was A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha as an Ascetic, Yuan Dynasty, from the Jules Speelman Collection, which achieved HK$16,184,000 and topped the auction celebrating Jules Speelman's 80th birthday.
Asaph Hyman, Bonhams' Global Head of Chinese Art, remarked: "Totalling over HK$ 150 million, the series of Chinese ceramics and works of art and Himalayan sales at Bonhams Hong Kong –- including Jules Speelman's two sales on the occasion of his 80th birthday, the Dr. & Mrs. Hu Shih-Chang Collection assembled by an eminent Hong Kong family, the Trudy and John Cohen's collection of pendants put together over decades, and the Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale –- was, above all, a testament to the exceptional eye of collectors, both past and present, and to the enduring value of the finest and rarest Chinese art. We look forward to welcoming all to our forthcoming sales in London and Paris. Last but not least, I am very grateful to our Hong Kong and Global Specialist team for their dedication and hard work."
Julia Hu, Bonhams' Managing Director, Asia, commented: "We are thrilled with the exceptional results across all Asian art categories, including Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Himalayan art, and Fine Chinese Paintings, driven by works of quality and provenance, many from important private collections. Notably, we have seen strong season-by-season growth in these categories, supported by a broader and growing base of overseas collectors. These results highlight the market's vibrancy and Bonhams' unmatched sourcing expertise and global network. The launch of our new Asia headquarters last year marked an important step forward, allowing us to offer an elevated auction and exhibition experience. We look forward to bringing more treasures to collectors and continuing this exciting journey together."
RESULTS AT A GLANCE
Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art (5 May)
Combined Sales Total: HK$87 million
"This season was a resounding success, with the preview drawing an engaged audience and a packed room on auction day. Collectors from across Asia and beyond participated with great enthusiasm, driving spirited bidding for exceptional pieces of outstanding quality and impeccable provenance. The results speak to the vitality and immense potential of the Asian market," said Gigi Yu, Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Bonhams.
Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Sale
An Important Massive Imperial Gilt Copper-Alloy Figure of Longnü, Chongzhen period, Ming Dynasty, achieved HK$27,074,000 after over 20 bids, more than tripling its low estimate to become the top lot of the Asian Art Week. Measuring 111cm in height, this monumental figure is one of only three known extant examples bearing the same inscription, with the other two kept in the collections of Columbia University Libraries, New York (presently on show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art), and the Capital Museum, Beijing.
Dr. & Mrs. Hu Shih-Chang Collection of Chinese Art Sale
The sale achieved a total of HK$18.6 million, led by An Exceptionally Rare and Important Robin's-Egg Glazed Vase, Tianqiuping, Qianlong Seal Mark and of the Period, which fetched HK$8,894,000. Another standout was An Exquisite Large Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Bowl Stand, Hongwu to Yongle, Yongle and Xuande six-character marks, which realized HK$5,846,000, nearly doubling its low estimate.
The esteemed collection was assembled by Dr. Hu Shih-Chang, a pioneering paediatrician in Hong Kong and a renowned collector and scholar of Chinese art. Hu's interest in collecting began in the 1970s, encompassing ceramics, jade, cloisonné, and lacquer. Over time, he directed his focus toward Chinese lacquer, emerging as a leading authority in the field.
"The Hu Collection reflects over half a century of passion, connoisseurship, and scholarly dedication. Many pieces achieved prices well above their estimates, underscoring collectors' appreciation for top-quality works and their recognition of Dr. Hu's rigorous approach to collecting. We are honoured to have been entrusted with this extraordinary collection and sincerely thank the Hu family for their trust and support," said Sam Shum, Senior Director of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Bonhams.
The Trudy and John Neville Cohen Collection of Chinese Jade and Hardstone Pendants, Snuff Bottles and Carvings Sale
With 88 lots on offer, the sale achieved an impressive sell-through rate of over 95% and realised over HK$8.2 million. Leading the sale was A Very Fine Agate 'Qilin' Pendant, 18th/19th century, which soared to HK$702,500—an astounding 18 times its low estimate.
Jules Speelman (5 May)
- 8 at 80
- Monks & Mahasiddhas: Living the Teachings of Buddha
Sales total: HK$64 million
"We are delighted to see the aesthetic significance and rarity of our works so widely recognized. Exceptional pieces, such as the figure of Avalokiteshvara from Densatil, the Shakyamuni Buddha as an ascetic, and portraits of revered teachers, have been celebrated for their captivating artistry and exquisite craftsmanship. Since the preview tour began in Chengdu, we've seen a growing and diverse audience, with deep passion and fresh perspectives on Himalayan art. We believe the appreciation and academic studies of Himalayan art will continue to flourish," said Dora Tan, Head of Sale, Specialist, Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Arts, Bonhams.
8 at 80 Sale
A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha as an Ascetic, Yuan Dynasty, fetched HK$16,184,000, doubling its low estimate; and A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Padmapani Lokeshvara and Hayagriva, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, circa 1267, achieved HK$10,134,000, more than tripling its low estimate.
Monks & Mahasiddhas: Living the Teachings of Buddha Sale
A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Sakya Pandita, Tibet, circa 1480-90, sold for HK$6,862,000, and A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Avadhutipa, Tibet, 15th/16th Century, fetched HK$3,179,000—nearly four times its low estimate.
Fine Chinese Paintings (29 April)
Sale total: HK$57 million
"A highlight of our Chinese Paintings sale was an inspiring work by Master Hong Yi, whose calligraphy embodies timeless ideals of self-reflection and self-improvement—values that resonate with our vision for the market. Committed to our clients, we strive to unlock the full potential and significance of their exceptional works. The success of themed sessions like the Chang Chun Collection stands as a testament to our expertise and passion for excellence," said Jingjing Qiao, Head of Chinese Paintings Department, Bonhams.
Fine Chinese Paintings Sale
The sale achieved a total of HK$57 million, with all four lots from the distinguished Chang Chun Collection surpassing their high estimates. Among the highlights, renowned Italian painter Giuseppe Castiglione's Immortal Blossoms and Everlasting Spring fetched HK$7,624,000. Poem in Running Script by Monk Zhangxue realized HK$3,179,000—nearly four times its low estimate. The auction also featured a selection of Buddhism-themed works. Zhang Daqian's Peaceful Scenery achieved HK$7,624,000, while The Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra, 4th–6th century, exceeded its high estimate to sell for HK$5,719,000.
HIGHLIGHT LOTS
Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
• An Important Massive Imperial Gilt Copper-Alloy Figure of Longnü
Yuyongjian gong zao mark, cyclically dated to the Xinsi year of Chongzhen, corresponding to 1641 and of the period
Sold for: HK$27,074,000
*Top Lot of Asian Art Week*
• An Exceptionally Rare Massive Gilt-Lacquered Wood Figure of Maitreya
Sold for: HK$9,892,000
• An Exceptionally Rare Famille-Rose Reticulated 'Bats and Clouds' Hat Stand and Cover
Qianlong iron-red seal mark and of the period
Sold for: HK$3,814,000
Dr. & Mrs. Hu Shih-Chang Collection of Chinese Art
• An Exceptionally Rare and Important Robin's-Egg Glazed Vase, Tianqiuping
Qianlong Seal Mark and of the Period
Sold for: HK$3,814,000
• An Exquisite Large Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Bowl Stand
Hongwu to Yongle, Yongle and Xuande six-character marks
Sold for: HK$5,846,000
The Trudy and John Neville Cohen Collection of Chinese Jade and Hardstone Pendants, Snuff Bottles and Carvings
• A Very Fine Agate 'Qilin' Pendant
Suzhou, 18th/19th century
Sold for: HK$702,500
Nearly 18 times its low estimate
• A Rare White Jade 'Entwined Dragons' Pendant
18th/19th Century
Sold for: HK$575,500
Jules Speelman Collection ︳8 at 80 Sale
• A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Shakyamuni Buddha as an Ascetic
China, Yuan Dynasty
Sold for: HK$16,184,000
• A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Padmapani Lokeshvara and Hayagriva
Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Circa 1267
Sold for: HK$10,134,000
Jules Speelman Collection ︳Monks and Mahasiddhas: Living the Teachings of Buddha
• A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Sakya Pandita
Tibet, Circa 1480-90
Sold for: HK$6,862,000
• A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Avadhutipa
Tibet, 15th/16th Century
Sold for: HK$3,179,000
Fine Chinese Paintings Sale
• Giuseppe Castiglione, Immortal Blossoms and Everlasting Spring
Sold for: HK$7,624,000
• Zhang Daqian, Peaceful Scenery
Sold for: HK$7,624,000
• Fu Baoshi, Scholar in a Forest
Sold for HK$3,560,000
Forthcoming Chinese Art sales around the world include:
• Asian Art | Knightsbridge, London, 12-13 May
• Collector's Treasures: Asian Art Online I 12-19 May
• Scholarly Gems from the Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Hawthorn | New Bond Street, London, 14 May
• Instinct & Knowledge: A Life in the Company of Song Ceramics | New Bond Street, London, 15 May
• Fine Chinese Art | New Bond Street, London, 15 May
• Profound Beauty: The Elsa Peretti Brush Washer | Paris, 11 June
• Asian Art | Paris, 11 June