Basquiat’s Ancient Scientist Tops Autumn Auction in Asia at HK$76.98M

On 29 September 2026, Christie's Hong Kong held an auction where Jean-Michel Basquiat's painting Ancient Scientist was sold for HK$76,975,000 (US$9,811,264). The sale took place from Christie's newly designed rostrum, which was created to commemorate the auction house's 260th anniversary. Rahul Kadakia, President of Christie's Asia Pacific, presided over the sale of this leading lot.

The auction featured a diverse range of works, with the top ten lots including pieces by Zao Wou-Ki, Yayoi Kusama, Paul Cézanne, Chu Teh-Chun, and Liu Ye. This selection reflected the breadth of collectors' interests across different categories, as noted by Christie's.

A significant highlight of the auction was the sale of an Old Master painting by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, titled Landscape with Willows. This work realized HK$19,200,000 (US$2,447,240) and nearly doubled its high estimate. The painting returned to auction for the first time in more than 200 years.

The sale set Asia auction records for several leading Western artists, specifically Cézanne, Matisse, Dalí, and Rubens. These records were achieved during this auction, according to Christie's official report.

Arco Yu, Associate Vice President and Head of Evening Sale for 20th/21st Century Art at Christie's Asia Pacific, commented that the sale attracted strong participation from collectors worldwide. The total sale value rose by 28% year on year, and the market responded with confidence to the quality and diversity of the works offered at the right price points.

In 2026, Christie's is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Asia. Over the past four decades, the auction house has established itself in the region, orchestrating many significant sales and pioneering digital innovations that have redefined how Asian collectors connect with the art industry.

To mark this milestone, Christie's is presenting a year-long programme of art and luxury sales, exhibitions, and events across the region. This initiative is part of the broader celebration of Christie's presence and activity in Asia throughout 2026, as stated by the auction house in its official communications.