Sotheby's of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art have concluded, bringing the overall total for the series of auctions to $71.3 million, the highest total ever achieved anywhere in New York. All three auctions exceeded their estimates and competitive bidding was seen across all categories and periods. The sales followed an energetic exhibition period packed with collectors from the United States, Europe and Asia. Sotheby’s Asia Week auctions began with the much anticipated sale of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art from J.T. Tai & Co. The auction brought a stunning total of $36.3 million and was nearly 94% sold by lot. The sale was led by An Unusual ‘Famille Rose’ and Gold Decorated Vase, Probably Republican Period (see previous post). Sotheby’s upcoming Hong Kong sales begin on 1 April and will be led by two evening auctions — The Meiyintang Collection – An Important Selection of Imperial Chinese Porcelains and The Ullens Collection – The Nascence of Avant-Garde China.
