Bonhams 2014 Autumn Auction to be held in Hong Kong

Leica III camera which was used by Russian photographer Yevgeni Khaldei. Photo provided by Bonhams

Bonhams is set to hold its 2014 autumn auction series in Hong Kong for 5 days between Nov 14-29. The preview, held at the China World Summit Wing Hotel in Beijing Oct 25-26, together with that in Shanghai, offered a closer look at the highlight lots to go under the hammer.

The exceptional collectibles to be auctioned include a Blue and White Garlic Mouth Vase from the reign of Yongzheng Emperor during Qing dynasty (1644-1911) with an estimated value of HK$6,000,000- HK$8,000,000 ($773,400-$1,031,200), and a Leica III camera with Elmar F3.5 Lens, which was used by Russian photographer Yevgeni Khaldei to take one of the most famous photos during WWⅡRaising a Flag over the Reichstag, with an estimated value of HK$3,000,000- HK$4,500,000 ($386,700-$580,050). One of the highlights in modern art is Chen Yifei's Two Reclining Beauties.

The 2014 autumn auction in Hong Kong will take place in Admiralty, covering a variety of collections such as wines and whiskey, fine Chinese paintings, jewelry and jadeite, jade carvings, watches, Chinese ceramics and works of art, watches and Leicas.

According to Managing Director of Bonhams Hong Kong Alexi Fung, Bonhams Hong Kong attaches great importance to the Asian market, such as China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asian countries. He said clients from the Chinese mainland are their biggest customers, who buy the majority of auction items and usually pay higher prices than buyers from other countries.

Alexi Fung estimated that Bonhams has about 700 auctions around the globe per year. "It’s like our auction is held every day except during the Christmas," He said.

Bonhams is a privately owned British auction house. Established in 1793, it is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques.