Dong Qichang’s Stele Inscription in Running Script
More than Doubles its Estimate to Sell for HK$20,575,000 / US$2,653,558
After a 15-minute Bidding Battle
Zhang Yu’s Letter to Bo Qing
Sells for HK$12,175,000 / US$1,570,210
Dong Qichang, Stele Inscription in Running Script
ink on paper, an album of eight leaveseach 35 by 32 cm
Sold for: HK$20,575,000 / US$2,653,558
Sotheby’s Hong Kong Fine Classical Chinese Paintings Sale concluded this afternoon with a total of HK$76,362,500 / US$9,848,000. The top lot, Dong Qichang’s Stele Inscription in Running Script, sold for HK$20,575,000 / US$2,653,558 - more than two times its high estimate - after a 15-minute bidding battle. In second position amongst the highest prices achieved was Zhang Yu’s Letter to Bo Qing, which achieved HK$12,175,000 / US$1,570,210.
This season we were thrilled to see two calligraphy works sell for prices in excess of HK$10 million. Collectors responded enthusiastically to the historical and artistic value of an exceptional script by Dong Qichang, and the spirited bidding resulted in a final sale price far exceeding the pre-sale estimate. We are witnessing collectors in our field increasingly strive to deepen their knowledge through extensive study and research, and as their tastes have become ever more sophisticated and diverse, our market has been able to develop in ways that are not only healthy but also a pleasure to observe.
Steven Zuo, Head of Fine Classical Chinese Paintings, Sotheby’s Asia
Zhang Yu’s Letter to Bo Qing
ink on paper, framed
27 x 23 cm
Sale price: HK$12,175,000 / US$1,570,210
