Core Insights - The auction of Wang Shaofei's watercolor masterpiece "Divine Comedy" reached a record price of 8 billion yen (approximately 55 million USD, or 390 million RMB), setting a new global record for watercolor paintings [1][7][10] - This auction price surpassed the previous record held by Van Gogh's watercolor landscape, which sold for 35.9 million USD (approximately 230 million RMB), highlighting the rising influence of Eastern art in the international market [1][7] - Wang Shaofei has now become the highest-selling living Chinese painter for 2025, further enhancing his artistic influence and market value [1][6] Auction Details - The auction took place on September 17, 2025, on Yahoo Auction, a prominent international auction platform in Japan [1][7] - The artwork "Divine Comedy" was initially valued at around 800,000 yen and had previously been exhibited at a public price of 3.8 billion yen in 2010, indicating a value increase of over 10,000 times in more than 30 years [7][9] - The buyer is reported to be a European collector, and the auction process did not involve competitive bidding, allowing the piece to be acquired at nearly half its market evaluation of over 100 million USD [7][10] Artist Background - Wang Shaofei is recognized as a leading figure in Eastern art and is known for his diverse artistic explorations, including ink, watercolor, and oil painting [6][10] - His earlier work "High Sun" also achieved record prices, establishing his esteemed position in the global art market [6] - The recent auction price coincides with the global population of 8 billion, symbolizing a collective cultural value [10] Market Trends - Wang Shaofei's artworks have shown a rare trend of steady price increases without any declines, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors [10] - The ongoing auction of another early oil painting by Wang Shaofei, titled "Fate," has generated significant interest due to the scarcity of his oil paintings in the market [10]

Group 1: Art Market Overview - The 2025 Spring Auction season has seen a vibrant art market with major auction houses like Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips showcasing a variety of art pieces, including paintings, antiques, and contemporary art, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts [1] - The demand for ancient Chinese paintings remains strong, with Sotheby's achieving a total transaction amount of 328,165,630 HKD and a transaction rate of 85% in its ancient Chinese painting auction [2][4] Group 2: Ancient Chinese Paintings - Sotheby's set a record with the sale of a significant work by the Yuan dynasty calligrapher Rao Jie, which sold for 250.1 million HKD, making it the highest price ever for a Chinese calligraphy piece at Sotheby's [2][6] - The auction highlighted the rarity and historical significance of ancient works, with increasing interest from younger collectors, as 32% of bidders were under 40 years old, marking the highest growth rate across regions [6][8] Group 3: Jewelry Market - The demand for colored gemstones remains robust, with Phillips' recent auction achieving a total transaction amount of nearly 50 million HKD, a 55% increase from the previous year [9][11] - High-quality colored gemstones, particularly from traditional sources, continue to attract collectors, with notable sales of emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds [11][13] Group 4: Watch Market - The auction season has seen a strong interest in antique watches, particularly those with complex functions, with Sotheby's featuring exquisite court clocks from the Qing dynasty [18][20] - Independent watchmakers are gaining attention, with collectors increasingly seeking unique and innovative timepieces, reflecting a growing trend in the market [21][26] Group 5: Contemporary Art - The contemporary art segment is characterized by cross-disciplinary integration and the rise of emerging artists, with significant works by Zhao Wuji and Yayoi Kusama featured in auctions [28][30] - Sotheby's achieved a total transaction amount of 297,519,500 HKD in a recent contemporary art auction, with strong participation from collectors in Greater China and Southeast Asia [30][34] Group 6: Changing Collector Preferences - Chinese collectors are evolving in their approach, increasingly considering global perspectives while maintaining a strong preference for Asian and Chinese artists [35] - This shift reflects a broader trend of collectors seeking a balance between personal taste and international market recognition in their acquisitions [35]