Christie’s is set to make a grand entrance into its new Asia headquarters in Hong Kong with an extraordinary evening sale of 20th—and 21st-century art. This debut event, scheduled for September 26, will highlight a remarkable work by Claude Monet, valued at up to $35 million. This sale marks a significant moment for Christie’s and the Asian art market.
Monet’s ‘Nymphéas’: A Masterpiece of Giverny
The star of Christie’s first evening sale in its new Hong Kong location is Claude Monet’s Nymphéas (1897–99). This iconic painting, which depicts the serene water lily pond at Monet’s home in Giverny, France, is expected to sell for between HK$200 million and HK$280 million ($25 million to $35 million). If it achieves this estimate, Nymphéas will become one of the region’s most valuable Western artworks ever auctioned. Christie’s representatives have highlighted the painting’s historical significance, noting that it is one of Monet’s earliest water lily paintings. “Nymphéas captures the artist’s profound connection with nature and his lifelong exploration of light and reflection,” said a Christie’s spokesperson. Initially kept within Monet’s family, the painting was later acquired by a private collector before being consigned to Christie’s for this landmark auction.
A Celebration of Modern and Contemporary Art
The auction will feature other notable works alongside Monet’s masterpiece, including Zao Wou-ki’s 05.06.80–Triptyque (1980). This abstract piece is expected to fetch between HK$78 million and HK$128 million ($10 million to $15 million). Zao Wou-ki, a prominent figure in modern Chinese art, blends Eastern and Western artistic traditions in his work, making his inclusion in this sale a nod to the global scope of Christie’s offerings. “This sale represents the convergence of Western and Eastern artistic masterpieces, celebrating the diversity and richness of the global art scene,” added the Christie’s spokesperson.
New Horizons for Christie’s and Other Major Auction Houses
Christie’s move to its new Asia headquarters in Hong Kong’s Henderson building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, signals a strategic expansion into the Asian market. As global economic shifts impact Western art markets, Christie’s and other major auction houses are keen to tap into Asia’s growing interest and wealth. Sotheby’s and Bonhams will also open their Asian headquarters in Hong Kong later this year. At the same time, Phillips has already established a presence in the city’s West Kowloon cultural district. The competition among these leading auction houses highlights the region’s significance in art.
Anticipation Builds for Christie’s Landmark Event
The anticipation surrounding Christie’s first evening sale at its new Hong Kong headquarters is palpable. Collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide are eager to see how the Asian market will respond to such high-profile offerings. While the Western art market faces uncertainty, the success of this event could signal a shift in the global art landscape, with Asia emerging as a key player. “We are excited to bring these extraordinary works to Hong Kong,” Christie’s spokesperson stated. “This sale is not just about the artworks; it’s about creating a new chapter in the art world, bridging cultures and continents.”
Christie’s debut in Hong Kong with the Nymphéas by Monet marks a historic moment, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the global art market. As the gavel falls on September 26, all eyes will be on Christie’s to see how this groundbreaking sale unfolds, potentially setting new benchmarks for Asian art auctions.