Asia Art Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 13 Week of 5 May 2025
(1) India seeks to stop auction of jewels linked to Buddha remains
The Indian government has threatened legal action against Sotheby’s to stop an auction of jewels linked to the Buddha’s remains, claiming the sale violates laws and demanding their return as sacred cultural heritage.
(2) Hong Kong to Launch First Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month in June, Showcasing Cultural Heritage Activities and Events.
Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month features cultural activities and events that showcase traditional performances and crafts.
(3) Christie’s Hong Kong nets US$21m for three unique-to-market imperial blue-and-white porcelains.
Christie’s Hong Kong auctioned three unique blue-and-white porcelains from the Ming and Qing dynasties for HK$163 million (US$21 million).
(4) Alexander Rotter Is New Global President of Christie’s
Alexander Rotter has been appointed Global President of Christie’s, where he will expand his responsibilities while continuing to lead the 20th and 21st Century department.
(1) India seeks to stop auction of jewels linked to Buddha remains
(Photo Credit: Sotheby’s)
The Indian government has threatened legal action against Sotheby’s in Hong Kong unless the auction house halts an upcoming sale of jewels linked to the Buddha’s remains and returns them to India. The auction includes gems discovered with Buddha’s bone fragments over a century ago. India’s ministry of culture claims that the sale violates Indian and international laws, and has been condemned by Buddhists and art scholars worldwide.
The ministry publicly shared a letter sent to Sotheby’s and Chris Peppé, the great-grandson of the relics’ excavator, William Claxton Peppé. The letter states that Peppé lacks the authority to sell the relics, and it accuses Sotheby’s of participating in “continued colonial exploitation.” The jewels, which include nearly 1,800 gems found at the Piprahwa stupa, are considered sacred and part of India’s cultural heritage.
The Indian ministry demands a public apology from Sotheby’s and Peppé, along with full disclosure of records tracing the jewels’ ownership. It has warned that failure to comply may lead to legal proceedings for violating cultural heritage laws. Chris Peppé has stated that while the family considered donating the relics, they believe an auction is the most transparent method to transfer the jewels to Buddhists.
News Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-seeks-to-halt-auction-of-buddhist-relics-by-sothebys-hong-kong-sends-legal-notice/article69544775.ece
(2) Hong Kong to Launch First Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month in June, Showcasing Cultural Heritage Activities and Events.
(Photo Credit: ICH/ Bastille Post Global)
Hong Kong will launch its first Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month in June, following a proposal from the Chief Executive to promote the safeguarding and continuation of ICH. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), this initiative will feature over 80 performances, 60 interactive booths, and 20 highlight tours, aimed at educating the public and tourists about Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. The month-long celebration is expected to attract more than 100,000 participants.
Key events during ICH Month will include free highlight tours across six districts, allowing participants to explore local ICH traditions. The opening ceremony and carnival will take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, showcasing various performances and interactive experiences. Other events, such as the ICH Infinity Fun Day and the Vibrant ICH festival, will further highlight the fusion of tradition and innovation in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.
Additionally, an exhibition on Jiangxi’s Hakka culture will run at the Hong Kong Central Library, featuring performances and interactive activities. A seminar on safeguarding and developing ICH will also be held, inviting scholars and practitioners to discuss the transmission of cultural heritage in the Greater Bay Area. This comprehensive programme aims to engage the community and promote awareness of Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage.
News Source: https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/4820992-hong-kong-to-launch-first-ich-month-in-june-showcasing-cultural-heritage-activities-and-events
(3) Christie’s Hong Kong nets US$21m for three unique-to-market imperial blue-and-white porcelains.
(Photo Credit: Christie’s/ thevalue.com)
Christie’s Hong Kong recently auctioned three exceptional blue-and-white porcelains from the Ming and Qing dynasties, achieving a remarkable total of HK$163 million (approximately US$21 million) in a single-owner sale. Titled “Ravishing Blue: Imperial Porcelains from an Important Private Collection,” the auction marked one of the top three sales of Chinese ceramics in Christie’s history, reflecting the increasing interest in these unique pieces.
The standout item was a Yongle-period meiping vase decorated with a “bamboo, rock, and plantain” motif, which sold for HK$78.1 million (around US$10 million). This vase is unique to the market, with only two other similar examples found in museum collections. The meiping’s design and craftsmanship highlight the evolution of blue-and-white porcelain and its significance in Chinese art.
These porcelain pieces, spanning nearly four centuries, tell the story of Chinese imperial craftsmanship, showcasing intricate designs that reflect cultural values and artistic trends. The successful auction underscores the continued appreciation for high-quality ceramics and their importance in understanding China’s rich artistic heritage.
News Source: https://en.thevalue.com/articles/christies-hong-kong-chinese-works-of-art-imperial-porcelains-ming-qing-dynasty-single-owner-sale-2025
(4) Alexander Rotter Is New Global President of Christie’s
(Photo Credit: Robert Scheuerman)
Alexander Rotter has been appointed as the new Global President of Christie’s, effective immediately, as announced by CEO Bonnie Brennan. Rotter, who previously served as the global chairman of post-war and contemporary art, has been credited with driving the auction house’s success through his creative and strategic approach. Brennan noted that with the growing diversity of collectors, it is an ideal time to expand Rotter’s responsibilities.
Having joined Christie’s in 2017 after 16 years at Sotheby’s, Rotter has made significant contributions, including redefining the sales strategy for various art categories through the establishment of the 20th and 21st Century department. His tenure has seen landmark moments in auction history, such as the record-breaking sale of Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi for US$450 million in 2017 and Jeff Koons’ Rabbit for US$91.1 million in 2019.
In his new role, Rotter will collaborate with Christie’s Regional Presidents and Global Chairmen to develop innovative strategies for both auctions and private sales, while continuing to oversee the 20th and 21st Century department. Expressing his enthusiasm for the position, Rotter stated that it is a privilege to take on this responsibility and he looks forward to working closely with his talented colleagues worldwide.
News Source: https://ocula.com/magazine/art-news/alexander-rotter-is-new-global-president-christies/
