On 28 November, Christie’s held their Chinese Contemporary Ink sale in Hong Kong presenting masterpieces by artists who created the new face of Chinese painting. The sale totalled USD 2,524,459 and was a huge success for the auction house. The top lot for the sale was “Scholar’s Rock” by Liu Dan, which realised US$ 473,943 and showed that works of great quality continue to be collectors’ pursuits. Liu Dan’s works have consistently been sold above estimate in Christie’s sales since 2014. Other works by Lui Shou Kwan and Chen Qikuan were sold above their estimate and did exceptionally well. Furthermore, Hong Kong artists such as Irene Chou, who have been instrumental in revolutionizing the new ink since the 1960s, performed well in the auction. Younger artists like Chu Chu, who incorporates photography and calligraphy in her works with innovative interpretations of ink paintings, received overwhelmingly good feedback from collectors. You can find all results of the sale here.

Larry’s List presents to you the three top lots of the sale and would like to invite you to consign Chinese contemporary ink works with Christie’s. Christie’s continues to look for masterpieces from all over the world within this category and they would be happy to provide you with complimentary valuation.

LIU DAN
Scholar’s Rock – Grotto Heaven (2016)
Estimate: HKD 2,400,000 – HKD 3,600,000 (USD 320,000 – USD 470,000)
Price Realised: HKD 3,660,000 (USD 473,943)

LUI SHOU KWAN
Sampans in Causeway Bay (1986)
Estimate HKD 300,000 – HKD 400,000 (USD 39,000 – USD 52,000)
Price Realised: HKD 937,500 (USD 121,450)

CHEN QIKUAN
Return (1984)
Estimate: HKD 350,000 – HKD 450,000 (USD 46,000 – USD 58,000)
Price Realised HKD 812,500 (USD 105,257)