03/10/2001

Sotheby’s auction of Southeast Asian Paintings in Singapore on the 30th of September 2001, raised a total of $ 3,260,344 (€ 3,564,880), its best sale in this category since 1996. After competitive bidding Walter Spies’ Balinesische Legende (Balinese Legend) was sold for $ 889,013 (€ 972,100). Die Schlittschuhlaufer (The Ice Skaters), also by Spies, fetched $ 289,472 (€ 316,500) against an estimate of $ 140,680-196,960 (€ 153,820-215,350) whilst an auction record was set for Romualdo Locatelli’s Kris Dance which went for $ 352,582 (€ 385,500). Fernanado Amorsolo’s Self Portrait sold for $ 73,293 (€ 80,130) twice its estimate, whilst an auction record was made for Kera-kera Di Hutan Lindung (Monkeys at the Sanctuary) by Indonesian artist Widayat, which sold for $ 66,695 (€ 72,920) against a pre-sale tag of $ 19,700-30,950 (€ 21,540-33,840). “We are very pleased with the results of the sale today,” said Mok Kim Chuan, the specialist in charge. “There was active bidding among local, Indonesian and European collectors. We are also glad to see new faces among bidders. The result today is also an indication that the market for Southeast Asian Paintings is a mature one.” (Andrew Moore)