Editor’s Note
Christie’s has named Rahul Kadakia, a veteran of the auction house since 1996, as its next President for Asia Pacific. He will assume the role in January 2026, while also taking on leadership of global luxury and art departments.
Hong Kong – Christie’s CEO Bonnie Brennan announced the appointment of Rahul Kadakia (Jiang Huahao) as President of Asia Pacific, effective January 2026. He will also lead the Global Luxury Department and the Asian and World Art Department. Mr. Kadakia, who joined Christie’s in 1996, currently serves as International Head of the Jewelry Department.
As Christie’s new Asia Pacific headquarters, The Henderson, approaches its one-year anniversary, the auction house will host a three-month autumn auction series to celebrate key milestones and achievements from the past year.
– September 2025: 20th & 21st Century Art
– October 2025: Asian Art – Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy
– November 2025: Luxury – Magnificent Jewels, Fine Watches, Handbags & Accessories, Rare & Fine Wine
This season’s auctions will reaffirm Christie’s leadership in sourcing exceptional treasures and creating world-class experiences for global collectors and art enthusiasts.
– 7 of the top 10 highest-value artworks sold in Asia were sold by Christie’s Hong Kong.
– The Hong Kong and Shanghai Spring sales of 20th & 21st Century Art solidified Christie’s leadership in Asia, with Basquiat’s “Saturday Night” selling for USD 14.5 million – the highest-priced work in the spring Asian 20th & 21st Century sales.
– During the Spring Asian Art Week, the Important Private Collection of Imperial Blue and White Porcelain achieved USD 21 million (100% sold).
– Six live auctions during the Spring Luxury Week totaled USD 92.8 million, leading the market.
– Sell-through rate reached 95%.
– 8 of the top 10 highest-priced luxury items sold in the spring Asian auctions were sold by Christie’s.
– A 109-carat Kashmir natural royal blue sapphire ring (The Regent Kashmir) sold for USD 9.5 million – the highest-priced gemstone sold in Asia year-to-date.
– Part III of the Joseph Lau Fine Wine Collection achieved USD 9.3 million (100% sold).
– Total purchases by Mainland China buyers increased by 13% year-on-year.
– New buyers from Asia Pacific contributed 40% of global new buyer spending, with over one-third coming from Mainland China.
Rahul Kadakia joined Christie’s London Jewelry Department in 1996, soon relocating to Geneva to organize the annual May and November Magnificent Jewels sales. In 2004, he was appointed Head of Jewelry for the Americas, based in New York, and was promoted to International Head of Jewelry in 2014. He is one of the world’s most renowned auctioneers, presiding over major sales in Geneva, Hong Kong, London, and New York across categories including jewelry, watches, wine, Asian art, design, modern, contemporary, and post-war art. He was born in Mumbai, India, in 1974.