HONG KONG.- Christie’s, the world leading art business, concluded its Hong Kong Spring 2008 sale series with a combined total of HK$2.4 billion/US$310.7 million - this is the highest total ever achieved in a sales season in Asia and gives Christie’s 58.5% market share in the region. This sale total is a dramatic increase of 58% over Christie's 2007 Spring sale, which totalled HK$1.52 billion/US$195.4million.

"The results of our Hong Kong Spring Sales highlight the importance of Asia for Christie's and the potential that this region offers. As one of our top three global sale centres alongside New York and London, Hong Kong plays a key role in garnering established and new collectors in Asia and around the world to participate in the art market. Global interest in art continues to grow, and supported by new wealth in the region, we are committed to expanding our business in Asia." said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer, Christie's International.

"Christie's sales results show that Hong Kong has truly come of age in the global art market. Our sales have been attracting an increasingly international and diverse range of buyers who look for the best in art, watches and jewellery. As the breadth and depth of the art market in Asia grow, we look forward to achieving new heights in our sales in the future." said Ken Yeh, Deputy Chairman, Christie's Asia.

“A dynamic series of record-breaking sales for Asian art in Hong Kong testifies to the accomplishments of Christie’s specialists. We have again demonstrated our leadership and brought the greatest works to the global market. Buyers from around the world were active across all categories, reflecting the growing internationalization of the art market,” said Jonathan Stone, Chairman of Christie’s Asia Management Committee and International Business Director of Asian Art.