[2025 Spring Auction] Bonhams Hong Kong | Spring Asian Art Week was a success with a total transaction volume of over HK$200 million
Bonhams Hong Kong Spring Asian Art Week is a great success
Six live auctions
Total transaction volume exceeded HK$200 million
Increase compared to the same period in 202456%
Growth compared to the previous quartertwenty three%
56% of lots sold above their high estimates
This seasonHighest Sold Lot
Ming Chongzhen Gilded Bronze Statue of a Dragon Girl
throughMore than 20 peopleBid,HK$27,074,000make a deal
Asian Art Masterpiece
The Collection of Jules Speelman
Two special sessionsTransaction volume: nearly HK$64 million
A Gilt-Bronze Statue of Sakyamuni in Asceticism, Yuan Dynasty
byHK$16,184,000make a deal
"Dr. Hu Shichang and Mrs. Hu Zhou Miaokun
"Chinese Art Collection"
Qing Dynasty Qianlong Rujun Glaze Tianqiu Vase
byHK$8,894,000make a deal
Four items from Mr. Zhang Qun’s “Zhonghanglu” collection
All exceeded high estimatesmake a deal
Julia Hu, Managing Director of Bonhams Asia, said:
“
All sectors of Asian art have delivered outstanding results, which is gratifying. The sources and quality of this season's auction items are excellent, and there are also important private collections overseas, which fully demonstrates Bonhams's collection strength and extensive network, and reflects the thriving vitality of the Asian market. With the opening of the new Asian headquarters at the end of last year, the exhibition and auction experience has been fully upgraded. We look forward to presenting more rare and exquisite works to Asian collectors and embarking on a wonderful collection journey together.
”
Auction site
Chinese Antique Art | May 5
Gigi Yu, Head of Bonhams Chinese Art and Antiques Department, said:
“
This season's Chinese antique art preview was very popular, and the auction day was packed with collectors from Asia and overseas. High-quality treasures with clear provenances aroused enthusiastic responses, demonstrating the vitality and potential of the Asian market.
”
Chinese porcelain and handicrafts
Achievements at a glance
The Ming Chongzhen Gilded Bronze Statue of a Standing Dragon Girl from Mr. Zhuang Guilun's "Shide Hall" was sold for HK$27,074,000 after more than twenty bids, more than three times the low estimate, becoming the highest-priced item at this season's Asian Art Week.
Top 3 transactions
Ming Chongzhen Gilt Bronze Statue of a Dragon Girl
"Made with the Emperor's Order in the Xinsi Year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty"
Sold Price: HK$27,074,000
* Transaction was completed 3 times above the low valuation
A wood-framed, lacquered and gold-painted Maitreya Bodhisattva statue made by the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty
Sold: HK$9,892,000
* Sold at 2 times the low valuation
Qing Dynasty Qianlong Period Famille Rose Cloud and Bat Pattern Crown Stand Alum Red
"Made in the Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty" in seal script
Sold: HK$3,814,000
* Transaction was completed 3 times above the low valuation
The Chinese Art Collection of Dr. Hu Shichang and Mrs. Hu Zhou Miaokun
Achievements at a glance
- The total transaction volume of this auction is HK$18.6 million
- The top lot was a Qing Dynasty Qianlong Rujun Glaze Tianqiu Vase, which sold for HK$8,894,000
- Another highlight was a red carved flower-patterned saucer from the Hongwu to Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, which sold for HK$5,846,000, nearly double its low estimate.
Top 3 transactions
Qing Dynasty Qianlong Rujun Glaze Tianqiu Vase
"Made in the Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty" in seal script
Sold Price: HK$8,894,000
Ming Hongwu to Yongle period, carved red flower-patterned teacup holder
"Made in the Yongle Period of the Ming Dynasty" and "Made in the Xuande Period of the Ming Dynasty"
Sold: HK$5,846,000
* The transaction was nearly 2 times lower than the low valuation
A three-layered square box with black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlays depicting a visit to a friend, late Yuan and early Ming
Sold: HK$740,600
* Sold at 2 times the low valuation
Sam Shum, senior director of Bonhams’ Chinese Antiques and Works of Art, said:
“
The collection of Dr. and Mrs. Hu Shichang represents half a century of hard work and academic insight. Many of the lots in this auction were sold at multiple times the estimated price, which shows the collectors’ love for top collections and their recognition of Mr. Hu’s attitude towards collecting. Bonhams is honored to be entrusted with this important task and would like to thank Mr. Hu’s descendants for their trust and support.
”
Chinese Jades and Snuff Bottles from the Cohen Collection | May 5
Achievements at a glance
- A total of 88 lots were auctioned, with a sales rate of 95%
- Total transaction value exceeded HK$8.2 million
- The top lot was an 18th/19th century Suzhou agate pendant with carved kirin motifs, which sold for HK$702,500, nearly 18 times the low estimate.
Top 3 transactions
A Suzhou Agate Pendant with a Kirin Design, 18th/19th Century
Sold: HK$702,500
* The transaction was nearly 18 times above the low valuation
A white jade pendant with a dragon pattern, 18th/19th century
Sold: HK$575,500
* The transaction was nearly 5 times the low valuation
A white jade seal with figures and auspicious beasts, made in Suzhou, 18th century
Sold Price: HK$486,400
* Sold at 2 times the low valuation
Asian Art Masterpiece
Two Special Sale of Jules Speelman Collection
May 5
Dora Tan, Head of Sale and Specialist at Bonhams Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art, said:
“
We are pleased to see that the artistry and scarcity of the items are highly recognized. The statues of Avalokitesvara, Sakyamuni ascetic statues, and the themes of masters such as the Sakya School and Avaduttipa are widely praised for their artistic charm and exquisite craftsmanship. At the same time, since the tour started in Chengdu, we have seen collectors and enthusiasts with more diverse backgrounds and aesthetic preferences, showing great enthusiasm and multi-dimensional thinking for Himalayan art. We believe that the development of Himalayan art will be more prosperous in the future.
”
Achievements at a glance
- The two special sales of “Eighty Years, Eight Treasures” and “Suffering and Happiness as the Way: Immortal Monks and Great Achievers” recorded a total transaction volume of nearly HK$64 million
- In the "Eighth Anniversary and Eight Treasures" special
- A gilt-bronze statue of Sakyamuni from the Yuan Dynasty sold for HK$16,184,000, twice the low estimate.
- A gilt-bronze lotus-handed Avalokitesvara and Hayagriva sold for HK$10,134,000, more than three times the low estimate.
- In the special session "Suffering and Happiness as the Path - Immortal Monks and Great Siddhas"
- A gilt-bronze statue of Sakya Pandita, Tibet, circa 1480-90, sold for HK$6,862,000
- A gilt-bronze figure of Avaduttipa, Tibet, 15th/16th century, sold for HK$3,179,000, nearly four times the low estimate
Jules Speelman Eight Delicacy
Top 2 transactions
Gilded Bronze Statue of Sakyamuni in Asceticism, Yuan Dynasty
Sold: HK$16,184,000
* Sold at 2 times the low valuation
Gilded Bronze Figures of Avalokitesvara with Lotus Hands and Hayagriva
Central Tibet, Dansati, ca. 1267
Sold price: HK$10,134,000
* Transaction was completed 3 times above the low valuation
Jules Speelman
Suffering and Happiness as the Path: Immortal Monks and Great Siddhas
Transaction highlights
Gilded Bronze Statue of Sakya Pandita
Sold: HK$6,862,000
* The transaction was nearly 2 times lower than the low valuation
Gilded bronze statue of Orchin Gongga Sangpo
Tibet, ca. 1480-90
Sold: HK$4,322,000
Gilded bronze statue of Avaduttipa
Tibet, 15th/16th century
Sold: HK$3,179,000
* The transaction was nearly 4 times the low valuation
Asaph Hyman, Global Head of Bonhams Chinese Art, said:
“
This season's Chinese antique art and Himalayan art auctions totaled over HK$150 million, including important collections from Asian art master Spelman, Hong Kong's well-known collectors Dr. Wu Shichang and Ms. Wu Zhou Miaokun, and Trudy and John Cohen. This outstanding achievement not only demonstrates the unique vision of collectors of all generations, but also confirms the enduring value of top Chinese artworks. We look forward to the upcoming Asian art auctions in London and Paris, and thank the team for their outstanding contribution and professionalism.
”
Chinese Painting and Calligraphy | April 29
Qiao Jingjing, Head of Bonhams Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Department, said:
“
In this season's calligraphy and painting auction, Hong Yishu's nine-character motto, "There is no way to win other people except self-blame, and there is no way to be superior to others except self-improvement," is exactly what colleagues in Bonhams' calligraphy and painting department think in the current market environment. We treat collectors sincerely and are committed to presenting the value of the collection. This time, Mr. Zhang Qun's "Zhonghanglu" old collection and other special topics have achieved good results, reflecting Bonhams' expertise and strength in this field. We will continue to work hard to present more wonderful items.
”
Achievements at a glance
- Total turnover of Chinese calligraphy and painting auction reached HK$57 million
- All four lots from Mr. Zhang Qun’s “Zhonghanglu” collection were sold above their high estimates, including Lang Shining’s 16-page album “Flowers, Birds, Grasses and Insects”, which sold for HK$7,624,000.
- The "Cursive Script Poem" by the early Qing Dynasty monk Shi Zhangxue was sold for HK$3,179,000, nearly four times the low estimate
- In the Buddhism special, Zhang Daqian's Peaceful Scene was sold for HK$7,624,000
- The 23rd volume of the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sutra, a manuscript from the Northern and Southern Dynasties, sold for HK$5,719,000, exceeding the high estimate
Top 3 transactions
Lang Shining's Album of Flowers, Birds, Grasses and Insects (16 leaves)
Sold: HK$7,624,000
* The transaction was nearly 2 times lower than the low valuation
Zhang Daqian: Peaceful Scene
Sold: HK$7,624,000
The Mahaparinirvana Sutra of the Northern and Southern Dynasties
Sold: HK$5,719,000
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