HONG KONG.- On 29 November 2024, Christies Hong Kong presented the Cosmic Essence Archaic Jades from the Lantien Shanfang Collection auction, which offered 75 lots of remarkable archaic jades from the renowned Lantien Shanfang Collection. This standalone, single-owner live auction offered a selection that comprehensively showcased the development of archaic jades in China from 3900 BC to 220 AD. The exceptional quality and rarity of these pieces had been unmatched by anything on the market over the past two decades. This private collection not only exemplifies the beauty of archaic jades, but also offers a glimpse into the cultural development of ancient China for collectors and jade experts alike. The 100% sold auction realised a total of HK$214,778,200 / US$27,738,067, and achieved close to 600% hammer over low estimate. The leading lot, a Jade Openwork 'Longevity' Bi Disc dating to the Mid-Eastern Han Dynasty, Circa 89-144 AD, sold for HK$25,180,000 / US$3,251,934, attracting competitive in-room and online bidding, over 25 times pre-sale low estimate.
The results further reinforce Christies leading position in the archaic jade market, and our commitment to advancing its development. Over the years, Christies has curated exceptional auctions and exhibitions of archaic jade carvings from prestigious private collections, achieving remarkable results. The auction preview received an overwhelming response from collectors and connoisseurs, which saw over 7,000 visitors exploring these rare and significant pieces at The Henderson. The impressive results testify to the highest quality of this renowned private collection, and the strong demand in the market for such pieces. Christies is delighted to once again witness the profound resonance and enthusiastic response that exceptional archaic jade collections evoke among collectors.