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<p>Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a stunning 7.01-carat diamond, a John Lennon guitar, a rare water clock and a beautiful&nbsp;painting by&nbsp;Anita Magsaysay-Ho.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Orange Zest: Diamond ring wows in all facets</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82537" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


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<p>A painting by Filipino artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho wowed bidders at a recent auction held by Christie’s in Hong Kong. The painting, Three Women with Pineapples, is considered a rarity in the art world and its price peaked at HK$7.56 million (US$968,000), comfortably above the pre-auction estimate of HK$4–$6 million.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-7.01ct-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring_2-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82539 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-7.01ct-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring_2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-7.01ct-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring_2-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-7.01ct-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring_2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-7.01ct-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring_2-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-7.01ct-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring_2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/An-Extremely-Rare-and-Extraordinary-7.01ct-Fancy-Vivid-Yellowish-Orange-Diamond-Ring_2.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



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<p>It was part of a series of four 20th- and 21st-century art auctions during Christie’s Spring Auction season where works by Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai and Filipino artists achieved 100% sales. “Modern art by Southeast Asian artists such as Anita Magsaysay-Ho, fresh to the market, appeal to collectors this season because of the rarity and quality of the works, which are at the forefront of documenting the societal developments in [the region],” said Christie’s spokesperson Doris Fan.</p>



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<p>Born in 1914 and the only woman among the so-called ‘Thirteen Moderns’ of renowned Filipino painters, Magsaysay-Ho would often feature women in everyday activities such as harvesting fruit, collecting grain or selling fish. She liked to portray their camaraderie, and this canvas is typical of her celebration of the female form.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Help! Wanted: Iconic Lennon guitar breaks records</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82540" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-4578631.001-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


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<p>A 1964 guitar used by The Beatles’ legend John Lennon when recording the album, Help!, has sold for a whopping US$2.86 million (HK$22.4 million) at an auction held at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. The sale, conducted by pop memorabilia specialist Julien’s Auctions, saw frenzied bidding for the instrument which had featured in one of the group’s best-known songs. The prized lot eventually went to a telephone bidder at a price which smashed the record for the most expensive Beatles’ guitar in auction history and the fifth highest ever garnered by a guitar.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82541 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/John-Lennon-Framus-12-string-high-res-guitar-and-case-4578631.032-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



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<p>The Framus Hootenanny 12-string acoustic guitar, which Lennon had given to a fellow musician in 1965, was recently discovered in an attic, and its sale was highly anticipated by Beatles’ enthusiasts and music collectors alike. “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have set a new world record with the sale of John Lennon’s lost Hootenanny guitar,” said David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s Auctions. “Today’s unprecedented sale is a testament to the timeless appeal and reverence of The Beatles’ music and John Lennon.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pineapple Power: Rich harvest for Filipino artist&#8217;s ode to women</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-792x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82542" width="396" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-792x1024.jpg 792w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-216x280.jpg 216w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-768x994.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-200x259.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-800x1035.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lot-19-scaled.jpg 1979w" sizes="(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px" /></figure></div>


<p>A painting by Filipino artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho wowed bidders at a recent auction held by Christie’s in Hong Kong. The painting, Three Women with Pineapples, is considered a rarity in the art world and its price peaked at HK$7.56 million (US$968,000), comfortably above the pre-auction estimate of HK$4–$6 million.</p>



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<p>It was part of a series of four 20th- and 21st-century art auctions during Christie’s Spring Auction season where works by Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai and Filipino artists achieved 100% sales. “Modern art by Southeast Asian artists such as Anita Magsaysay-Ho, fresh to the market, appeal to collectors this season because of the rarity and quality of the works, which are at the forefront of documenting the societal developments in [the region],” said Christie’s spokesperson Doris Fan.</p>



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<p>Born in 1914 and the only woman among the so-called ‘Thirteen Moderns’ of renowned Filipino painters, Magsaysay-Ho would often feature women in everyday activities such as harvesting fruit, collecting grain or selling fish. She liked to portray their camaraderie, and this canvas is typical of her celebration of the female form.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnet Strike: Precious water clock brings good fortune</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82543" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/933_Cartier_La-Pendule-Magnetique-Water-Clock-1-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


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<p>Described as one of the most significant horological rediscoveries of the 21st century, an extremely rare Cartier water clock instigated a tense 25-minute bidding war at auction in Hong Kong, eventually selling for HK$15 million (US$1.92 million). The sale was conducted by Phillips in Association with Bacs &amp; Russo, and such was the interest in this masterpiece of craftsmanship that a total of 75 bids were placed and the final price broke the world auction record for a magnetic water clock.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82544 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Thomas-Perazzi-auctioneering-Cartier-water-clock-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



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<p>Of all the magnificent water clocks to have come to market, La Pendule Magnétique is considered to be perhaps the most lavishly designed one to exit the Cartier workshops. Crafted in the popular Chinoiserie style circa 1929, it is distinguished by a 17th-century jade water basin, decorated with coral and black enamel, containing a floating carp that serves as the hour hand. In another auspicious touch, an emerald-eyed qilin carved from nephrite coils around the bowl. Its 22cm-diameter base is made of marble studded with lapis lazuli and aventurine.  </p>



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<p>The clock had been considered lost for decades before resurfacing.</p>


Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (July 2024)


<p>Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ring of Rose: Flawless diamond fortunate for one</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82156" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


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<p>A simply marvellous 55.55-carat oval diamond, named Fortune Five, was the star of the show at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale, going for HK$45.2 million (US$5.8 million). Coming in as the top-seller at the Hong Kong auction, the final price attained for the unmounted D-flawless type IIa diamond fell within the pre-auction estimate of US$4.9 million to US$6.4 million.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1a-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82149 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1a-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1a-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1a-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1a-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1a-800x450.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1a.jpg 1522w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



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<p>A product of nature transformed into a beautiful jewel through ingenious human craftsmanship, this brilliant-cut stone undoubtedly captivated the enthralled bidders. It hails from a mine in Lesotho in southern Africa, one of the largest sources of highly coveted type IIa diamonds, where extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth’s mantle represent the perfect conditions for carbon atoms to crystallise into precious gemstones. The IIa ranking certifies that it is the most chemically pure of diamonds.</p>



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<p>Reaching the colour grading of D, the highest possible, signifies that the stone is completely colourless. Furthermore, the gem contains no visible inclusions or blemishes as it is shown to be flawless when examined under intense magnification. Another alluring feature of the diamond is its wondrous interaction with light.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spyder Sense: Last Ferrari roars off block</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82150" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


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<p>A fabulous Ferrari raced to an astonishing final bid price of US$17.87 million (HK$139.9 million) at Kissimmee 2024, making it the most expensive car sold at the prestigious Mecum auction in Florida by a country mile. The beauty and refined elegance of this 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder wowed bidders, who were also swayed by the knowledge that this was the last such model to be built by the famous Italian marque.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82151 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2a-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



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<p>The speed machine stemmed from Ferrari’s desire to produce a sportier open-top model that would offer greater performance. First, in 1957, they remodelled the 250 GT California Spyder into the long-wheelbase (LWB) version, boasting a lightweight chassis shod with a simple but elegant body and retractable top. Three years later, the short-wheelbase (SWB) model was born, employing minor changes for enhanced drivability and appearance, and 55 cars were produced from 1960-1963.</p>



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<p>The final one of the series, in beautiful Rosso Cina (China Red) with covered headlights, was completed on 9 February 1963 and imported into the US the following month. Its known ownership history since new further added to its desirability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bye Bye Birdie: Sorrowful painting brings collecting joy</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82152" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>A beautiful painting by Jean-Baptiste Greuze of a girl mourning the loss of her bird created a stir at a recent Christie’s auction in New York, setting a new world record for works by the revered French artist. Fetching US$2.47 million (HK$19.3 million), it was the top lot at the ‘A Park Avenue Collection’ sale, whose proceeds amounted to a whopping US$8.89 million.</p>



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<p>Une jeune fille qui pleure la mort de son oiseau (A girl weeping over her dead bird) was the first in a series of three similar sentimental paintings by Greuze on the theme of loss stemming from the death of a beloved pet bird. It was completed in 1757 and exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1759. Some art critics believe these works were inspired by an ancient verse of first-century BCE Roman poet Catullus, which details a girl’s grief on the passing of her sparrow.</p>



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<p>The single-owner sale featured a number of Old Master paintings, as well as 18th-century furniture and Chinese works of art. Christie’s Specialist Joshua Glazer said: “The superb group of French 18th-century paintings in the collection were universally admired, and we were thrilled to have set a new world auction record for the magnificent Greuze Girl weeping over her dead bird.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bottle a Hit: Glazed vase triggers bidding war&nbsp;</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82154" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


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<p>An extremely rare guan-glazed octagonal bottle vase attracted frenzied action at a recent auction held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, with the hammer falling at HK$20.4 million (US$2.6 million) – nearly two times its high estimate. This sought-after prize was secured after a predominately four-way bidding war that lasted fully eight minutes.</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82155 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a-800x450.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4a.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



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<p>The vase was the most valuable lot from a white glove sale of an important European collection of Chinese ceramics acquired from the renowned dealer and collector Edward T. Chow. With all items sold and 90% of them achieving prices above their high estimates, a grand total of HK$71 million was raised.</p>



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<p>Standing at 22 centimetres high, this vase is thought to herald from the Song dynasty or later, and it passed to its new owner in excellent condition for its age, albeit with an insignificant microscopic glaze bruise on the lower body. Noted for its beautiful aesthetics and elegant form, this type of vase was made exclusively for the imperial court where it would delight the senses. The one that aroused such interest typifies the delicate interplay between lines and curves and is embossed with many layers of opaque jade-celadon glaze.</p>


Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (June 2024)


<p>Four remarkable lots that impressed bidders in recent auctions are featured in this month&#8217;s Look Section, including an amazing floral painting, a classy corvette, a rare buddhist sculpture and one of Jordan&#8217;s sneakers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Super Six: Jordan’s sneakers win the game</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80595" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Dynasty-Collection_01-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Six of the most important pairs of basketball shoes sported during the illustrious career of Michael Jordan went for a whopping US$8 million (about HK$62.5 million) at a Sotheby’s sale in New York last month. The astonishing figure represents the global auction record for game-worn sneakers and the second- highest amount raised for items linked to the Chicago Bulls superstar.</p>



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<p>Jordan wore these six individual pairs of Air Jordans when he was playing some of the most important games of his career – namely, the finals of his six-career National Basketball Association (NBA) championships from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. Commenting on this remarkable six-piece lot – dubbed the Michael Jordan ‘Dynasty Collection’ by the auction house – Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables Brahm Wachter said: “A truly unparalleled moment and milestone in auction history, the sale of these six championship- clinching sneakers will likely never be replicated.”</p>



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<p>The largest sum accumulated for an auction item from the basketball legend’s catalogue of used sportswear was US$10.1 million, which secured his No. 23 jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals of his ‘Last Dance’ season.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tibetan King: Rare Buddhist sculpture wows followers</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80593" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-GILT-COPPER-ALLOY-FIGURE-OF-VIRUPAKSHA-2-_p-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The last privately owned gilt copper alloy figure of Virupaksha, the Buddhist Guardian of the West, caused a stir at a recent auction held in Hong Kong by Bonhams. This early 15th-century figure from the Densatil Monastery in Tibet, measuring an impressive 73 centimetres high, eventually went for HK$37.9 million (about US$4.86 million).</p>



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<p>This huge price attained for a figure of Virupaksha, regarded as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, partly reflected the fact that the other three similar sculptures are all now residing in world-class museums – the Capital Museum in Beijing, the Palace Museum in Taipei, and Paris’s Guimet Museum. It is thought the sculpture was crafted when the noble clan ruling central Tibet and officiating at Densatil were at the height of their regal powers.</p>



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<p>Edward Wilkinson, Global Head of Himalayan, Indian and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams said: “As the only guardian from Densatil in private hands, as well as the largest and most engaging sculpture from Densatil, this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of the greatest icons of Tibetan art. We are therefore thrilled, but not surprised, that it fetched the top price it deserves.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Floral Fantasy: Kusama’s bold Flower blooms at auction</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80594" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Scale-Photo-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>A floral painting by Yayoi Kusama, who is renowned for her deep affection for flowers as well as pumpkins and polka dots, delighted the Christie’s salesroom in Hong Kong so much that it garnered the second-highest auction price for the much-loved Japanese artist. The final sum for the 2014 work, called simply A Flower, topped HK$78 million (about US$10 million), a figure that is also greater than the HK$58.5 million attained for another floral work by the same artist at Christie’s the previous season.</p>



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<p>Interestingly, Kusama’s life-long fascination with flowers began following a terrifying experience in childhood. She had a sudden, disturbing vision that she was surrounded by hundreds of flowers in a garden and they appeared to be chatting among themselves as if they had taken on human personas. This early moment of distress mushroomed into an illusory fantasy based around flowers and influenced her canon of work over several decades.</p>



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<p>A vivid and bold piece with polka-dot motifs created when the artist was in her mid-80s, A Flower displays depth and appreciation of the subtle influence of changes of colour akin to the division and reproduction of cells in nature.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">First &amp; Last: Classy Corvette pair grabs headlines</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80592" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy-800x450.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/109082-copy.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The very first and the very last production Corvette L88 were offered together under one lot by Mecum Auctions at its recent sale in Kissimmee, Florida, resulting in much excitement and a mightily impressive winning bid of US$2.58 million (about HK$20.18 million). Equipped with muscular engines, the two classic Chevrolet ‘dream cars’ were used to turning heads when they hit the US racetracks in the late 1960s and winning awards thereafter.</p>



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<p>The oldest model, a 1967 Convertible, is widely known as the very first production Corvette L88 and also has the distinction of being the only L88 Convertible to be painted Tuxedo Black. Its noteworthy racing career included being driven by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson, and finishing second in the 1967 Daytona Beach SCCA runoffs. The accolades continued in later life, as it achieved Bloomington Gold certification, numerous NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Top Flight wins and the NCRS Heritage award in 2013.</p>



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<p>The last documented model of the line was manufactured on 4 December 1969. The 1969 Coupe was finished in the famous Corvette factory colour of Fathom Green.</p>


Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (March 2024)

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Z</span>hang Daqian (1899-1983) is rightly lauded as both one of&nbsp;the most adept Chinese artists of the 20th century and one&nbsp;of its most prolific, a reputation that ensures his splashed ink&nbsp;landscapes are sought out by art aficionados the world over. So,&nbsp;when an extant example of his work – <em>Manchurian Mountains</em> – took&nbsp;centre stage at the recent <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2019/fine-chinese-paintings-hk0860.html">Sotheby’s Fine Chinese Paintings auction</a>&nbsp;in Hong Kong, the bidding war that ensued was no surprise.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-48462" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian.jpg" alt="Zhang Daqian" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p class="p1">Completed in 1969, this immense 2m x 1m landscape was&nbsp;originally gifted by Zhang to the daughter and son-in-law of Zhang&nbsp;Xueliang, an official in China’s Republican Army and a personal&nbsp;friend of the artist’s. Depicting the stunning Yiwulü Mountains&nbsp;in Northern China’s Liaoning province, its evergreen peaks were&nbsp;captured in beguiling mineral colours as a symbol of coming&nbsp;prosperity, with the snow-capped summits also signalling that&nbsp;auspicious times lay ahead.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-48460" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2.jpg" alt="Zhang Daqian" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Zhang-Daqian_2-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p class="p1">Given its unsullied provenance and the fact that it was the first&nbsp;time this particular piece had ever come to auction, it is perhaps&nbsp;understandable that it inspired a truly staggering winning bid of&nbsp;HK$162 million – more than double its pre-sale estimate.</p>
<p>Related:&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/zao-wou-ki-2/">The Big Picture: Outsized prices for outsized art by Zao Wou-ki</a></em></span></p>


Tag: painting

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (July 2024)

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (June 2024)

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (March 2024)

Stratospheric Prices: High Price for Zhang Daqian Mountain Masterpiece

Tag: painting

Blog Section

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (July 2024)

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (June 2024)

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (March 2024)

Stratospheric Prices: High Price for Zhang Daqian Mountain Masterpiece