[Press Release]

Contemporary ink art at Sotheby’s brings together artists from around the world, inspired by ink’s infinite possibilities. Today, ink is not just a medium; it encapsulates a rich aesthetic tradition of technique, innovation and discernment. The geographical boundaries and formal definitions are increasingly blurred, and this emerging category broadens the contemporary art market with outstanding works that draw on such a rich medium.

In October 2017, the thematic contemporary ink art sale ‘Confluence’ achieved a total of more than HK$18 million / US$2.3 million and established a world auction record for Japanese artist Inoue Yuichi, nearly four times its pre-sale estimate. The sale featured paintings by notable modern masters such as Hans Hartung and Krishen Khanna. Offered for the first time in Hong Kong, their works are distinguished for the use of ink, brush and calligraphic principles. This is a market which has global appeal; private collectors took the lead in bidding, and nearly 50% of the lots were bought by collectors outside Asia. These results confirm our team’s pioneering role in introducing contemporary ink art to the international marketplace and providing this innovative, aesthetic category with extraordinary momentum among collectors and critics worldwide.

We are now seeking consignments for our sales in spring 2018. For a complimentary and confidential valuation or to discuss any aspect of the contemporary art market, please do not hesitate to contact our team in Hong Kong at +852 2822 9014 or ContemporaryInk@sothebys.com. You may also submit your request online.

Inoue Yuichi, Yume (Dream), 1966
井上有一，《梦》，一九六六年作
Sold for成交价 HK$1,500,000 / US$192,000
Auction record for the artist艺术家拍卖纪录

Krishen Khanna, A Graph of Pleasure and Pain, 1961
克里香·康纳，《苦乐图》，一九六一年作
Sold for成交价 HK$500,000 / US$64,000

Luis Chan, The Pacific, 1984
陈福善，《太平洋》，一九八四年作
Sold for成交价 HK$ 275,000 / US$35,200