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Christie's maintained its leadership in Hong Kong in 2009 with a 57.8% market share.   Sales in Hong Kong totaled £217.6 million (US$341.7 million), down 12% in £ on 2008.   Spring auction sales witnessed more selective buying, yet confidence clearly returned in the second half of the year, led by the earlier economic recovery in Asia.

Chinese 20th Century art performed consistently well in the year, with Chu Teh-Chun's Vertige Neigeux  achieving an artist auction record when it sold in the Autumn Evening Sale for HK$45.5 million (£3.5 million/US$5.9 million).  In Asian Contemporary art, Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi's Study for Mask Series 1998 set a new auction record for a work on paper by the artist at the Autumn sale at HK$1.7 million (£133,000/US$219,000).

Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary art totaled HK$33.5 million (£2.6 million/US$4.3 million) in the Autumn, a 64% increase from the Spring and indicating a resounding vote of confidence by collectors.  64% of lots sold above high estimate, including works by renowned Indonesian artist I Nyoman Masriadi, and modern masters Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès and Lee Man Fong.

Chinese Modern and Classical Paintings saw tremendous growth, underpinned by strong demand from Mainland Chinese collectors. A new world auction record for Chinese artist Fu Baoshi was established in November with Landscape Inspired by Dufu Poetic Sentiments, selling for HK$60 million (£4.7 million/US$7.7 million), far-exceeding its pre-sale estimate of HK$35 million.

Strong and consistent results were achieved in the category of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art with an annual total in Hong Kong of HK$694.0 million (£55.4 million/US$89.6 million) indicating the enduring popularity and demand for the rarest and the best with impeccable provenance.  In addition to increasing Mainland Chinese interest, this category also saw global participation for Imperial ceramics, furniture, lacquer, bronze and jade carvings. 

Jewels: The Hong Kong Sale became the most valuable jewellery auction of the season for any auction house internationally.  With total annual sales of HK$629.1 million (£50.0 million/US$81.0 million), the Hong Kong Jewels sales stand as the most valuable auction of jewellery anywhere in the world this year, underscoring Hong Kong's position as a major market for the finest gemstones.

Sales of Important Watches also saw consistently strong demand from collectors around the world, many of whom bid online and via the phone.  Totaling HK$150.4 million (£11.9 million/US$19.5 million) and with a high average sell-through rate of 94% by value, the Hong Kong sales are firmly established alongside Geneva, New York and London as a major sale centre for rare timepieces.  Multiple records were achieved, including a record for a Patek Philippe Reference 5079 which sold for HK$4.5 million (£346,000/US$575,000) in the Autumn.