By P. Ramakrishnan, Josh Condon, Robert Ross
Going For Baroque
Numbers don’t compute easily when you look at the staggering figures that have emerged from auction houses this past year as top-tier brokers expanded their presence in the city, sending out unmistakable global smoke signals: they are here to stay. Hammers were slamming down in quick succession as the four leading auction houses in Hong Kong displayed remarkable prowess, each carving a unique niche in the dynamic art market—and in their new homes.
Bonhams Hong Kong celebrated a record-breaking 2024, achieving an impressive 18 per cent increase in total sales amounting to HK$670 million, the highest since its inception in 2007. In fact, its new Asia-Pacific headquarters at Six Pacific Place facilitated a 68 per cent surge in private sales, while Christie’s opened its current regional headquarters at the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Henderson, which heralded a remarkable inaugural auction that amassed HK$1.3 billion.
Similarly, Sotheby’s achieved stellar sales at its 24,000-square-foot maison in Central, unveiled last summer, fetching HK$252.5 million for Mark Rothko’s Untitled (Yellow and Blue). Despite a difficult year, the auction house is optimistic in its outlook: An official statement released at the start of 2025 revealed the company’s 2024 earnings, with Sotheby’s CEO Charles Stewart reporting US$6 billion (HK$46.62 billion) of consolidated sales against what he referred to as “a clearly challenging market backdrop.” While the auction house made better numbers in 2023 with US$7.8 billion (HK$60.61 billion) in sales, all things considered, the results are not too shabby as Sotheby’s figure was “the highest in the industry for last year,” according to ArtNews.
While the art world was going for broke, the design world went hard on minimalism. Embodying the living contradiction of “less is more,” interiors were all about clean lines in kitchens, offices, and shared spaces—think islands of plush sofas, coffee tables with nominal fuss, and furnishings in all the right angles eschewing adornment for function. Even Italians, the noted originators of Baroque in the 17th and 18th centuries, have turned the tables, expressing Nordic minimalism in the shape of sleek lamps, monochrome carpets, prismatic tables, and monotone chairs—has the highly ornate and elaborate been spirited away for good?
Some semblances of curlicues and curvaceous design were evident in tech as vinyl made a comeback and designer chess sets and speakers brought back hints of ostentation with a touch of gold here and a flash of silver there. (Instead of looking forward while engineering gadgets, many are choosing to hark back to simpler times and the age of innocence.) Altogether, these noble houses, producers, and brands not only reflect the thriving ecosystem in art, design, and gear, but also set the stage for a promising future in the world of curated collectibles.
DESK
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BY STEELCASE
Racine Signature Desk
Crafted in the US from robust materials, the Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Signature desk exudes a layered, enduring appeal. Its linear forms guide the eye, while integrated storage solutions reflect a marriage of artistry and practicality. With over a century of expertise in furniture production and design, Steelcase champions sustainable creations, ensuring that this collection not only celebrates an architectural icon but also aligns with contemporary environmental values.
From every angle, the Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Signature desk is a stunning homage to design brilliance and the legacy of the celebrated American architect. Emerging as an elegant bridge linking the past with the present, this exceptional piece revives the iconic furniture originally crafted for the SC Johnson Administration building in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1939. Inviting a new generation to experience this masterful blend of craftsmanship and function, Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture is vividly encapsulated, and the spirit of the original collection is preserved while making subtle adjustments to cater to contemporary needs, expanding its applicability across diverse workspaces. Enhanced dimensions and proportions, alongside an enriched material palette, help it resonate with today’s office space and work environment.
LOUD SPEAKER
SONUS FABER
Stradivari G2
Sonus Faber’s original Stradivari from the early 2000s established a high-water mark for sonic accuracy in a loudspeaker whose drop-dead gorgeous cabinet-making reflected the DNA of an Italian company from the same region as famous luthiers Stradivarius and Guarneri. The G2 takes a leap forward with its even more natural presentation of detail, tone, and timbre from top to bottom. Notable is the cabinet shape, much wider than it is deep and responsible for this speaker’s organic, natural, and full-bodied sound. A pair of 10-inch woofers go down to 25 Hz, while the six-inch Neodymium magnet mid-range transducer handles the crucial mid-range—from 220 Hz to 2,200 Hz, this driver is the speaker’s heart and soul, aided by a one-inch soft-dome tweeter. Although relatively sensitive at 92 dB, a high-current amplifier with at least 100 watts will go a long way towards making the Stradivari G2 sing.
KITCHEN
REFORM
Column
Inga Sempé, the acclaimed French designer, joined forces with Danish brand Reform to create the Column kitchen series. In a contradiction of terms, it is both subtle and, at the same time, a bold departure from conventional design. Rejecting the rigid angularity often associated with industrial kitchens, Sempé embraces forms, colours, and materials that exude warmth and character. Her Column kitchen features smooth, curvaceous surfaces complemented by a monolithic central handle, creating a distinctive appearance that is both elegant and eclectic with an inviting tactile experience. Sempé’s intention is to challenge the ubiquitous “sum of cubes” seen in modern kitchens, aiming instead for a design that is “beautiful and rich, but not antipathetic.” Whether opting for a monochrome finish or a whimsical mix of colours, each configuration reflects a nuanced sense of style. Culinary spaces need to have an organic interaction at the heart of a home, and the Column kitchen makes it all so welcoming.
ABSTRACT
PHILLIPS
In a year marked by challenges within the volatile auction industry, which saw dramatic highs and lows, Phillips demonstrated remarkable resilience. According to CEO Martin Wilson, the firm’s strategic adaptability has enabled it to outpace market competitors, underpinned by a commitment to innovation, exemplified by the successful first anniversaries of Dropshop, Phillips’ Jewels sales in Geneva, and its Milan gallery.
With global sales reaching US$843 million (approximately HK$6.55 billion) and a sell-through rate of 86 per cent, Phillips has firmly positioned itself as the auction house of choice for discerning collectors—a remarkable lot found in Hong Kong. Year-on-year, jewel and jewellery auction totals across Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York increased by over 50 per cent, and last summer, at the Modern & Contemporary Art Evening sale held in Hong Kong on 31 May, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (Portrait of Famous Ballplayer) (1981) sold for a breathtaking US$7.89 million (approximately HK$61.3 million). The firm also celebrated 116 artist debuts and achieved over 130 world auction records throughout the year.
As we go to publish, the 2025 timetable is already packed with Jewels, Watches, and Modern & Contemporary Art & Design sales. “As we enter 2025, we do so with confidence and ambition, ready to celebrate key milestones, including a decade of leadership in our Watches department and 10 years of hosting sales in Hong Kong,” says Wilson. “We look forward to celebrating these achievements and continuing to build on our legacy with our global collecting community.”
HOME PROJECTOR
LEICA
Cine 1
Projector technology has progressed leaps and bounds since the faded, fuzzy images of old, but the depth and clarity provided by Leica’s ultrashort-throw Cine 1 is still remarkable to behold. An ultra-bright, RGB laser-lighting system and Leica Summicron lens are housed in a sleek aluminium case (the remote is made of the same material) with softly rounded edges and an expansive wraparound grille—all the better to enjoy the remarkably robust built-in sound system, which boasts a pair of 2 x 25W speakers, thumping bass, impressive dynamic range, and Dolby Atmos support.
Thoughtful touches include adjustable legs and a motorised dust cover, but the picture, naturally, steals the show. With a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (4K is supported via DLP XPR technology), staggering contrast ratio, and a claimed peak brightness of 3,000 lumens, the laser lighting provides a huge range of colours, including rich, deep blacks, and remains equally crisp at the edges of the image. Leica actually produces two separate machines for the US market, one for use with screens of exactly 100 inches and another for 120-inch displays. Both come with three HDMI inputs (including one with soundbar support) that receive all the main dynamic range formats, including Dolby Vision.
COLLECTION
AMAN INTERIORS
Migumi by Kengo Kuma
Aman Interiors’ Migumi collection, conceived in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma for the Aman Residences in Miami Beach, weaves nature, geometry,and artistry into its pieces. Kuma’s time in Miami Beach served as inspiration for this limited-edition furniture release, giving visual form to the interplay between sunlight and wood. Its striking silhouette is unmistakable. A tabletop of ordinary length and breadth balances the depth of the extraordinary centrepiece: a wooden, puzzle-like base that embodies workmanship at its finest.
In fact, the collection marries traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities and wowed all who bore witness to its launch and unveiling during Design Miami. Both the chair and table feature a framework of white oak, showcasing Kuma’s innovative use of the material; the intricate, interlocked bases reflect the architectural nuances found in his remarkable buildings. Meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in Higashikawa, Migumi is veritable sculptural art in the realms of design and architecture. As the sun casts shifting shadows across these creations, the collection transforms any space into a prism that exhibits the contrast between darkness and light.
LIGHTING
MARSET
Fragile Lamp
Jaume Ramírez’s Fragile lamp emerges as a remarkable reinterpretation of traditional table lighting. Conceived for Marset, this exquisite piece elegantly utilises streamlined geometric forms to evoke a sense of purity and refinement. At its core, the Fragile lamp comprises a harmony of shapes: a cone and a sphere cradle a cylinder that emits a warm, ambient glow, revealing not only the light source but also inviting a sense of serenity into any environment. Its transparent glass construction reflects a delicate balance of strength and fragility.
Ramírez drew inspiration from the archetypal table lamp, and reverse-engineered it so light is evenly distributed through a transparent lampshade. His innovative approach pays homage to historical lighting fixtures, such as oil lamps and candles, which share the commonality of illuminating from the base upwards. However, through the medium of glass, he captures the ephemeral nature of the present moment for a poignant statement on transience. With its balanced structure and soft light diffusion, the Fragile lamp is a luminous statement piece.
20TH & 21ST CENTURY
CHRISTIE’S
When Christie’s unveiled its new Asia-Pacific headquarters at The Henderson last September, a move that underscored the famed auction house’s commitment to the region’s vibrant, thriving art market, the anticipation of the first auction in its new home was palpable. By the time the last lot left the already iconic Zaha Hadid Architects designed building and the final tally was made, records had shattered.
A pivotal moment for the auction house, with nearly 90 per cent of lots sold and almost 40 per cent surpassing their high estimates, the series highlighted robust market demand and collector enthusiasm. The auctions recorded an impressive average hammer price of 112 per cent over the low estimates, with a 20 per cent increase in buyer participation compared to autumn 2023.
The sales showcased exceptional offerings across fine art, luxury items, and prestigious private collections. Notable highlights included Vincent van Gogh’s Les Canots Amarrés, which fetched HK$251 million, and Claude Monet’s Nymphéas, realising HK$233 million. At final count, HK$1.3 billion in sales from its inaugural auction in its new home made Christie’s the cynosure of all eyes.
Looking ahead, Christie’s will host its highly anticipated 20th/21st Century sales, with a preview commencing in March; this significant event coincides with Art Basel Hong Kong. At the end of April, Asian Art Week kicks off at Christie’s, while May will showcase the Luxury Marquee Week. Never a dull moment when the only quote received reads “Sold!”
CHANDELIER
BACCARAT X STEVE LEUNG
Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier
In a collaboration we did not see coming, Hong Kong’s own Steve Leung partners with the illustrious luxury house Baccarat to unveil the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier, commemorating both the 60th anniversary of Sino-French friendship and Baccarat’s 260-year legacy of craftsmanship, and the jaw-drop moment had us bookmark the piece well in advance.
Inspired by Qinghua ci—an emblematic Chinese porcelain—the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier harmoniously melds Eastern and Western visual philosophies. Crafted from Limoges porcelain and Baccarat’s signature crystals in clear and cobalt blue, the design reflects the yin-yang principle, symbolising balance and duality. For once, we in Asia saw the piece in 2024, long before the rest of the world could set eyes on this exquisite creation by a true master. Globally, in 2025, the Printemps Bleu Zenith Chandelier, limited to only 60 pieces, will be available, honouring this significant cultural milestone. With meticulous attention to detail, this chandelier not only celebrates luxury but also the enduring artistic dialogue between China and France, making it a coveted addition for discerning collectors.
RECORD-BREAKING
SOTHEBY’S
When it came to glamour, luxury, and sales figures that looked like telephone numbers, nothing beat the headline making sales at Sotheby’s Hong Kong this past year, particularly at the new retail outpost, the auction house’s maison in the heart of Central. The range on offer at the 24,000-square-foot space, designed by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, split the house into sub-sectioned salons, where you saw diversity and choice at their shimmering best.
In a remarkable year for Sotheby’s, the standout sale was the auction debut of Mark Rothko’s Untitled (Yellow and Blue) from 1954, which fetched an impressive HK$252.5 million. This landmark transaction positions Rothko as the third most valuable Western artist to be auctioned in the region, surpassing initial estimates of HK$225 million to HK$275 million.
Among other notable sales, Zhang Daqian’s Red Robe Avalokiteshvara emerged as the leading lot in Chinese art, commanding a respectable HK$77.5 million from the Leshantang collection, with estimates ranging from HK$22 million to HK$30 million.
Looking ahead, Sotheby’s will host a Modern and Contemporary Evening auction in spring 2025 in Hong Kong, followed by an expected roster of auctions, events, and previews for watches, jewellery, and Chinese art and antiquities, but it’s the surprises in-store that you can most anticipate, as the new heads and team members promise events worth waiting for. Consider our breaths bated.
SOFA
DE LA ESPADA
Azores Collection
Italian designer Luca Nichetto’s Azores collection presents an exquisite ensemble of sofas and small tables that artfully mimic the serene islands of the same-named Portuguese archipelago. Each piece is meticulously crafted, showcasing a pleasing blend of luxurious upholstery and solid wood, epitomising the artisanal excellence of De La Espada. Azores features rounded sculptural forms that invite flexible arrangements for an adaptive solution in contemporary living spaces; the soft Graciosa + Faial + Miguel
sofa exemplifies this philosophy, allowing for personalisation through numerous fabric and leather options, while the timber bases come in black walnut, white oak, or ash. With a commitment to sustainability, the collection is crafted at the solar-powered De La Espada factory, ensuring durability and environmental mindfulness.
GAME
CHRISTOFLE
Duel des Thés
Given that the contemporary hallmark embossed on Christofle’s fine silverware is a knight, a luxe chess set from the 195-year-old French tableware company—the first game it has ever produced—feels apropos. Duel des Thés is a clever nod to brand history, elegantly rendered in fossilised oak, vermeil, and mirror-polished sterling silver by Christofle’s haute orfèvrerie workshop.
The name translates to “duel of teas,” which is precisely what transpires from the opening gambit, pitting the house’s famous Art Nouveau and Art Deco tea sets against one another by replacing key pieces with teapots, creamers, cups, and sugar bowls. Artisans make each component—plus all the moulds and other tools used to produce them—by hand at the brand’s factory in Normandy. The boards are assembled by Jean-Brieuc Chevalier, a cabinetmaker from Angers, who inlays the wood with reflective sterling-silver squares. Truly, a game beautiful enough to let everyone feel like a winner.
WEARABLE
APOLLO NEURO
Apollo
The current crop of wearables—Whoop, Oura Ring, Apple Watch, and the like—are shockingly good at tracking biometric data, everything from daily steps to blood-oxygen levels to heart-rate variability. Which is nice if you know how to parse the numbers, but wouldn’t it be better if those devices could actually do something to help regulate your physical and emotional states?
That’s precisely why Dave Rabin, MD, PhD, invented the Apollo, a wearable that uses a range of vibrational frequencies to help you relax, perk up, de-stress, recover from a workout, fall asleep, etc. Born from neuroscience research at the University of Pittsburgh (Rabin is a neuroscientist as well as a board-certified psychiatrist) and backed by clinical research, the screenless device pairs with a slick and intuitive app, which creates a customised 24-hour schedule to provide energy when you need it and calm when you don’t; with use over time, your central nervous system adapts, leading to improved sleep, cardiovascular metrics, stress management, and more. It sounds like science fiction, but we’re happy (and amazed) to report that it actually works.
MODERN & CONTEMPORARY
BONHAMS
Last year, Bonhams Hong Kong achieved a remarkable HK$46.43 million for Yayoi Kusama’s rare abstract masterpiece, Infinity, during its Modern and Contemporary Art sale. Marcello Kwan, head of modern and contemporary art for Asia at Bonhams, praised the work’s unprecedented composition, highlighting its significance within Kusama’s illustrious oeuvre. Infinity masterfully intertwines the artist’s iconic polka dots and infinity nets, creating a visually striking piece that has not been previously auctioned. With those staggering figures, obviously Bonhams was in the news for all the right reasons in 2024.
In fact, the auction house made headlines during the dawn of 2025, having achieved a remarkable 18 per cent increase in auction sales for 2024, totalling a healthy HK$670 million, marking the highest figure since the auction house’s establishment in the city in 2007. This impressive growth is complemented by a staggering 68 per cent surge in private sales, driven by the opening of the company’s new Asia headquarters at Six Pacific Place, which was also a newsworthy event beyond the art circles. The Bonhams facility is aimed at enhancing client experiences with dedicated galleries and a permanent saleroom. As its end-of-year reports notably indicated, over 30 per cent of buyers were newcomers, with Millennials and Gen Z constituting nearly 35 per cent of the clientele. Julia Hu, managing director of Bonhams in Asia, heralded “2024 as a landmark year,” setting the stage for 2025.
Looking ahead to 2025, the sale of the Jules Speelman collection will be a major highlight for Bonhams. After all, the auction held last June in Paris achieved an impressive €15.2 million (approximately HK$123.89 million). Scheduled for spring 2025 in Hong Kong, there will be two additional sales from the Jules Speelman collection: 8 at 80 and Monks & Mahasiddhas: Living the Teachings of Buddha.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
QEEBOO
Cobble Collection
Elisa Gargan Giovannoni (who is part of the Qeeboo clan that launched the brand in Milan back in 2016) brings an exceedingly casual elegance and sense of versatility to Qeeboo’s Cobble collection, making it an exquisite addition to both outdoor and indoor settings. It has an almost Nordic influence and Japanese minimalist silhouette to it that we cannot turn away from. Constructed from high-pressure laminate, this collection promises remarkable resistance to the rigours of the elements. With a slender, wide top
for the table, it provides ample space for entertaining or showcasing decorative items, and the piece is distinguished by its meticulous design—a central base crafted from recyclable polypropylene supports a sleek, adaptable tabletop. Available in five colours with innovative elements such as integrated drink holders, the table seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. Its timeless silhouette allows it to harmonise with various design styles, whether modern or traditional, and it pairs beautifully with the matching chair for a cohesive look, embodying the essence of contemporary Italian design that can easily transform your space into a sanctuary of tastefulness.
