New York was the venue for a Christie's sale of Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, last Friday (March 26).
Continuing the success of its South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art auction on March 23, the latest Christie's auction grossed a total $22,605,250 in sales.
 A rare large white Jade figure of Buddha from the 18-19th century |
The top lot was this rare large white Jade figure of Buddha, dated to the 18th-19th century - an historic memorabilia testament to the rise of Buddhism during the Qing Dynasty era.
This isn't a laughing Buddha, but the statue's downcast facial expression did little to curb its exceptional performance on the auction block. Above a presale estimate of $150,000-200,000, it eventually sold for $2,322,500.
It appears that collectors and investors are opening their minds - and their wallets - to the vast spectrum of Asia's art, past and present.
A contemporary work, Gestation, an acrylic on canvas painted in 1989 by Syed Haider Raza, was the big seller at the Christie's March 23 Contemporary sale, realising a remarkable $1,200,000.
- More news on Art
- Enjoy the read? Don't forget to sign up for your free newsletter with exclusive content
