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It goes without saying that the art world has been forever altered by the work and influence of Andy Warhol; a leading figure in the Pop Art movement who redefined the ways in which fine art is produced, perceived, and appreciated.
A Young Genius
Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 6th August 1928, where his parents had immigrated to from Czechoslovakia in the early 1920s. He had a keen inclination for art and creativity from an early age and in his childhood, he was an avid drawer and admirer of popular culture, which eventually led him to gain admission to the Carnegie Institute of Technology – now known as Carnegie Mellon University. Here, Warhol studied commercial art for four years until his graduation in 1949. After his studies, he relocated to the bustling post-war New York City and started a career in advertising; where he achieved great success for his bold designs that were heavily informed by the principles of Pop art.
In 1956, the year Warhol painted Figures on a Busy Street, Warhol had already successfully positioned himself as an esteemed illustrator and graphic designer in the field of advertising in New York, engaging in a variety of projects for an array of clients. Warhol's oeuvre during this period was marked by a distinct and imaginative aesthetic, often utilising a blotted line technique that imparted a sense of spontaneity.
Warhol’s commercial work in Vogue, 15 September 1957.
© 2023 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New YorkThough at the same time, Warhol embarked on a journey of artistic experimentation, delving into the realms of popular culture and consumerism. This exploratory phase witnessed the inception of drawings and paintings that examined mass media, celebrity iconography, and the quotidian aspects of life. Warhol's artistic forays during this period laid the groundwork for his eventual ascendance as a pivotal figure in the Pop Art movement.
As such, 1956 represents a critical juncture in Andy Warhol's artistic evolution – a year where he sought to consolidate his present while exploring his future.
Andy Meets World
1956 was also a defining year in Warhol’s career and life as it marked the first time the artist travelled outside of the United States. Funded by his growing professional and financial achievements, he organised a two-month tour of Asia and Europe with his close friend – the TV art director, Charles Lisansby, whom Warhol had met at a party thrown by Bill Cecil in the mid 1950s. On that particular evening, it was pouring with rain, so Lisansby and Warhol stood under the awning of a taxidermy shop, where Lisansby admired a stuffed peacock displayed in the window. The following day, Warhol delivered the peacock to Lisansby's door, and their great friendship began.
Their first port of call was the ancient city of Kyoto. As Japan’s capital of culture, Kyoto would be of enormous interest to the emerging Warhol and would spark a lifelong fascination and indulgence in Japanese civilisation. There, Warhol became a Japanophile—and a shopaholic to boot—collecting various kimonos, folding screens, dishes and books during his two weeks spent in Kyoto.
Importantly, Warhol would also document his time religiously in his sketchbooks, capturing scenes of daily life in astounding intimacy and perception. In fact, to the best of the Imperial Palace Museum in Toyko’s knowledge, ‘Warhol did not take a camera, confining his documentation of the trip exclusively to drawings.’i As photography would later ascend into a central position in the artist’s life and work only a few years later, his sketches and drawings from this time are considered not just rare, but also provide a unique and intimate insight into his creative perception during this formative period.
Andy Warhol (second from the right) and Charles Lisansby (far right) on a sightseeing tour of Tokyo in 1956 on the Pigeon Bus Company
Image Courtesy of Archives of The Andy Warhol Museum
The landscape and culture of Kyoto was markedly different from Warhol’s surroundings in New York City, and the artist must have felt a heightened sense of differentiation in his relationship to the physical and cultural landscape. The present work, Figures on a Busy Street, is a brilliant example of Warhol’s keen fascination with the textures and rhythms of everyday life.
Juxtaposing the work’s intimate scale, the composition presents a snapshot into a bustling street, transporting viewers into a crowd where figures emerge and disappear against the burning mosaic of neon lights – a symbol of Japan’s post-war resurgent identity. The sharp black outlines defining the scene are highlighted by bright, sunset-tones which glow and dance across the paper. Whereas colour is considered a much rarer characteristic of Warhol’s ink blot works, here, the artist layers vibrant hues of rich pink, amber, and turquoise generously, affording the work with a unique and unparalleled vibrancy.
Tokyo street scenes in the 1950sBetween East and West
Though predominantly overlooked, in Warhol's body of work we can discern a tangible connection to Japanese art, particularly through his incorporation and reinterpretation of the visual elements that define traditional Japanese aesthetics. This artistic interplay has its roots in the ukiyo-e woodblock print style, a genre that emerged during Japan's Edo period and captured the imagination of Western audiences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The bold compositions, vibrant colours, and flattened perspectives of ukiyo-e prints resonated with Warhol's penchant for exploring popular culture and mass production, thus creating a bridge between these seemingly distinct artistic worlds.
Utagawa Hiroshige, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: Night View of Saruwaka-cho, 1856 Collection of the Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of ArtTaking cues from the visual language of ukiyo-e prints, Warhol would later go on to even utilise silk-screening techniques, which became a turning point in his career and cornerstone in his practice. This artistic fusion not only bears witness to the enduring influence of Japanese visual culture, but also demonstrates Warhol's capacity to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries in his quest for artistic innovation.
Warhol’s tireless experimentation, combined with his keen ability to capture and reflect the pulse of contemporary culture, has cemented him as one of the greatest artists of our times. Even after his death in 1987, Warhol’s legacy continues to reverberate throughout the art world today, inspiring new generations of creatives and continuing to redefine our understanding of what is possible within art.
Collectors Digest
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Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. in 1928, Warhol came to maturity during a rapidly changing cultural and artistic scene. He earned a degree in pictorial design from the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in Pittsburgh and worked for about a decade in New York City as a commercial artist. Warhol began swiftly rose to fame and critical acclaim in the early 1960s after he produced his Campbell Soup can paintings.
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Within a year of Warhol's untimely death in 1987, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts was established, and in 1989 MoMA showed a retrospective of his works.
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The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh holds the largest collection of his artworks, which are also part of the permanent collections of institutions such as MoMA in New York City; The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA; Museo Jumex in Mexico City; The Broad in LA; Museum Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt, Germany; Detroit Institute of Arts, and Leeum Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul.
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The highest price paid for an Andy Warhol work at auction was only recently set in 2022, which is demonstrative of the ongoing strength of the artist’s market dominance
i Ai Wei Wei, quoted in Warhol in China, Italy, 2013, p. 9
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Provenance
The Estate of Andy Warhol, New York
Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., New York
Gagosian, New York
Private Collection, New York (acquired from the above in 1998)
Acquired from the above by the present ownerExhibited
New York, Gagosian, Andy Warhol Drawings and Related Works 1951-1986, 13 February - 22 March 2003, pp. 46
Artist Biography
Andy Warhol
American • 1928 - 1987
Andy Warhol was the leading exponent of the Pop Art movement in the U.S. in the 1960s. Following an early career as a commercial illustrator, Warhol achieved fame with his revolutionary series of silkscreened prints and paintings of familiar objects, such as Campbell's soup tins, and celebrities, such as Marilyn Monroe. Obsessed with popular culture, celebrity and advertising, Warhol created his slick, seemingly mass-produced images of everyday subject matter from his famed Factory studio in New York City. His use of mechanical methods of reproduction, notably the commercial technique of silk screening, wholly revolutionized art-making.
Working as an artist, but also director and producer, Warhol produced a number of avant-garde films in addition to managing the experimental rock band The Velvet Underground and founding Interview magazine. A central figure in the New York art scene until his untimely death in 1987, Warhol was notably also a mentor to such artists as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
318
Figures on a Busy Street
stamped and numbered 'The Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. VF311.005' on the reverse
ink and Dr. Martin's aniline dye and ballpoint on paper
44 x 37.6 cm. (17 3/8 x 14 3/4 in.)
Executed circa 1956.
Estimate
HK$450,000 - 650,000
€53,200-76,800
$57,700-83,300
Sold for HK$444,500
Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Mid-Season Sales
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com
Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches
Hong Kong Auction 25 May 2023
301
Anna Park
Nude
Estimate HK$500,000 - 700,000
Sold for HK$698,500
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302
Wing Shya
Three works: Happy Together Stills (i) The Talk at Bar Sur; (ii) Prologue 2; (iii) Two to Tango
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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303
Rolex
Ref. 6536/1
Model: Submariner
An impressive, attractive and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, black lacquered dial and braceletEstimate HK$240,000 - 480,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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304
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5207P-001
An exceptionally fine and rare platinum perpetual calendar minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, moon phases, leap year, day and night indication, additional solid caseback, setting pin, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000
Sold for HK$4,826,000
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305
Cartier
Ref. 2774
Model: Crash
A rare, possibly unique and exquisite white gold and diamond-set asymmetrical wristwatch with Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$500,000 - 1,000,000
Sold for HK$990,600
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306
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 14802ST
Model: Royal Oak Jubilee
An extremely attractive and rare limited edition stainless steel wristwatch with salmon dial, date, bracelet, certificate and presentation box, numbered 622 of a limited edition of 1,000 pieces, made in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Royal OakEstimate HK$600,000 - 1,200,000
Sold for HK$952,500
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307
Fernando Campana and Humberto Campana
'Bolotas' armchair
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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308
Mr.
Misaki
Estimate HK$2,000,000 - 3,000,000
Sold for HK$3,302,000
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309
This lot is no longer available.
310
Yayoi Kusama
I Who Sing in Celebration of Humanity
Estimate HK$7,500,000 - 9,500,000
Sold for HK$8,509,000
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311
André Butzer
Untitled
Estimate HK$700,000 - 900,000
Sold for HK$889,000
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312
Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret
Bookshelf with cabinets, model no. 14, from 'L’Équipement de la Maison' series
Estimate HK$150,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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313
Cartier
Ref. WGTA0044
Model: Tank Asymétrique
A rare, fine and attractive limited edition yellow gold asymmetrical wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 89 of a limited edition of 100 piecesEstimate HK$200,000 - 400,000
Sold for HK$241,300
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314
Rolex
Ref. 6241
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
An extremely rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with champagne dialEstimate HK$940,000 - 1,500,000
Sold for HK$1,092,200
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315
Cartier
Ref. WGTA0088
Model: Tank Chinoise
A rare, "like-new" and elegant limited edition yellow gold rectangular-shaped wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, numbered 83 of a limited edition of 150 piecesEstimate HK$100,000 - 250,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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316
This lot is no longer available.
317
KAWS
COMPANION
Estimate HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000
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318
Andy Warhol
Figures on a Busy Street
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$444,500
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319
Nicolas Party
Trees
Estimate HK$10,000,000 - 15,000,000
Sold for HK$12,550,000
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320
David Hockney
The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire in 2011 (twenty eleven) - 4 May
Estimate HK$680,000 - 850,000
Sold for HK$1,079,500
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321
Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh
"FLOWER"
Estimate HK$1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Sold for HK$2,921,000
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322
Anish Kapoor
Non Object (Mirror)
Estimate HK$3,800,000 - 4,800,000
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323
Gio Ponti
Coffee table
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000
Sold for HK$152,400
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324
Gio Ponti
Pair of armchairs, model no. 247, from the 'Modern by Singer' series
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$114,300
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325
Angel Otero
Bayamón
Estimate HK$700,000 - 1,000,000
Sold for HK$1,079,500
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326
Stanley Whitney
Stay Song 27
Estimate HK$1,800,000 - 2,800,000
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327
Rafa Macarrón
343 Almas
Estimate HK$800,000 - 1,200,000
Sold for HK$1,016,000
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328
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 44018
Model: 222
A very elegant and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date and integrated braceletEstimate HK$250,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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329
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 25654BA.OO.0944BA.01
Model: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
An extremely fine, rare and well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with MK I dial, moon phases and integrated braceletEstimate HK$470,000 - 940,000
Sold for HK$660,400
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330
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3940
A rare and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$200,000 - 400,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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331
RETNA
He's A Criminal No Different From Me. One Could Argue I Could Be Painted With The Same Brush
Estimate HK$300,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$762,000
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332
This lot is no longer available.
333
José Parlá
New Language Forms
Estimate HK$380,000 - 580,000
Sold for HK$355,600
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334
Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh
"ARROWS AND FLOWER"
Estimate HK$1,200,000 - 2,200,000
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335
Aya Takano
In the 30th Year of the Showa, the Day the Fire Flowers Rose
Estimate HK$500,000 - 800,000
Sold for HK$635,000
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336
Katherine Bernhardt
Six Papayas
Estimate HK$300,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$368,300
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337
Cartier
Ref. 1734
Model: Tank Américaine
A very fine and rare limited edition platinum wristwatch with salmon dial and presentation box, numbered 16 of a limited edition of 30 pieces made for the 150th anniversary of the Swiss ConfederationEstimate HK$100,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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338
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5065A
Model: Aquanaut
An attractive and rare stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date and presentation boxEstimate HK$160,000 - 310,000
Sold for HK$330,200
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339
Franck Muller
Ref. 2870 NADF
Model: Chronographe Double Face
A rare and attractive yellow gold double-faced chronograph wristwatch with two-tone silvered dials, pulsations, telemeter and tachymeter scales, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$80,000 - 160,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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340
Jean Prouvé
Sun shutter, designed for schools in Cameroon
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$101,600
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341
Jean Prouvé
Sun shutter, designed for schools in Cameroon
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$101,600
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342
Wolfgang Tillmans
paper drop (Studio) I
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$177,800
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343
Wolfgang Tillmans
paper drop (London) II
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$139,700
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344
Hiroshi Sugimoto
North Pacific Ocean, Ohkurosaki
Estimate HK$160,000 - 240,000
Sold for HK$215,900
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345
Hiroshi Sugimoto
Bay of Sagami, Atami
Estimate HK$160,000 - 240,000
Sold for HK$228,600
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346
Ron Arad
'Big Easy Volume 2' armchair
Estimate HK$200,000 - 300,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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347
Gio Ponti
'Diamond' flatware service for 24
Estimate HK$190,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$254,000
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348
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 49152/000A-9540
Model: Overseas Chronograph
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, guarantee and presentation box, numbered 91 of a limited edition of 100 pieces made for the Greek marketEstimate HK$120,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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349
Rolex
Ref. 16520
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A very fine and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation boxEstimate HK$180,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$254,000
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350
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26300ST.OO.1110ST.08
Model: Royal Oak Chronograph
A fine and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, bracelet, Certificate of Authentication and presentation boxEstimate HK$160,000 - 320,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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351
Rolex
Ref. 1680
Model: Submariner, “Red Sub”, MK II
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK II dial, bracelet and presentation boxEstimate HK$120,000 - 300,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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352
After Jean-Michel Basquiat
Flexible
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$533,400
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353
Kenny Scharf
Unique Surfboard
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$406,400
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354
Poul Kjærholm
'Hammock' lounge chair, model no. PK 24
Estimate HK$90,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$114,300
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355
Urwerk
Ref. UR-105M
Model: Dark Knight
A fine, rare and unusual limited edition titanium wristwatch with three-dimensional satellite hour display, power reserve, warranty and presentation box, numbered 10 of a limited edition of 77 piecesEstimate HK$180,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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356No Reserve
Rolex
Ref. 126000
Model: Oyster Perpetual 36
A attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, “Tiffany” blue lacquer dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation boxEstimate HK$60,000 - 120,000 •
Sold for HK$203,200
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357No Reserve
Alain Silberstein
Ref. TMA1-002
Model: Tourbillon Volant
A very rare and unusual limited edition stainless steel semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch with date, numbered 1 of a limited edition of 9 piecesEstimate HK$80,000 - 160,000 •
Sold for HK$139,700
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358
KAWS and Estudio Campana
KAWS: MONSTER Chair
Estimate HK$400,000 - 600,000
Sold for HK$381,000
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359
KAWS
UNTITLED
Estimate HK$500,000 - 700,000
Sold for HK$419,100
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360
Hans J. Wegner
'Valet' chair, model no. 540
Estimate HK$40,000 - 60,000
Sold for HK$133,350
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361
Arne Jacobsen
'Egg' chair model no. 3316 and later ottoman, model no. 3127
Estimate HK$30,000 - 50,000
Sold for HK$35,560
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362
Yoshitomo Nara
Hand Searching
Estimate HK$400,000 - 600,000
Sold for HK$584,200
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