China Guardian Hong Kong's 2025 Autumn Auctions achieved approximately HK$70 million (US$8.9 million) in its Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art Sale on 8 October. The top lot was Zao Wou-Ki's abstract canvas *27.01.83* (1983), which sold for HK$17.7 million (US$2.3 million), more than doubling its low estimate. The second-highest result was Li Chen's bronze sculpture *Dragon-Riding Buddha* (2001), which fetched nearly HK$11.15 million (US$1.4 million). The sale recorded an 85% sell-through rate across 99 lots.
The result underscores sustained demand for blue-chip modern Chinese artists, particularly Zao Wou-Ki, whose work continues to appreciate significantly: *27.01.83* last sold in 2014 for HK$10.6 million, marking a 67% increase in value over 12 years. The painting's rarity—dominated by violet, an unusual color in Zao's oeuvre—and its provenance from the Yageo Foundation collection added to its appeal. The auction also highlights the strength of the Hong Kong market for Asian modern and contemporary art.