New York’s annual Asia Week concluded last Saturday, and its organizers have since reported a stunning $360 million in sales. That figure represents an 80-percent increase over last year, with the big two auction houses, Sotheby’s and Christie’s, accounting for nearly 70 percent of that haul. As the graph above shows, the two houses brought in more than $250.7 million.
As it has every year since 2010, when Asia Week in its present form was established, Christie’s led the way, with almost $155 million in sales, more than the total number for both houses last year, though Sotheby’s still brought in about $95.8 million. This year’s performances set records for both houses. The quick takeaway: the market for Asian art in New York is reaching new heights.
For more auction analysis: Skate’s has a look at the 2014 results of China’s Poly auction house.