Paradox DB7  – FHD Video Doorbell

Loud and crisp audio. Finally, talking and understanding.

Paradox DB7 Video Doorbell adds surveillance protection to home or business security. It integrates security with style into your daily life. With the DB7, you will get verification of every visitor to your property entrance. The DB7 allows you to see and clearly hear who is at your entrance 24/7, and Paradox servers will keep your visitors’ events up to 60 days (a monthly charge applies).

The DB7 provides FHD video (1920×1080) and two-way communication speakerphone supported with 2.5W rms power and high quality speaker, delivering crisp conversations. The DB7 captures 5-second pre-event recordings, with exceptional video in dark conditions, complimented by night IR illumination. Push events can alert if anyone approaches even if they don’t ring the doorbell, with PIR and/or video detection.

Integrated with Paradox systems, a door opening can be easily configured with a panel PGM or with Paradox access control. Video and audio data is encrypted with AES. The DB7 uses video H.264 data compression to save bandwidth.

Adding internal wireless chime anywhere on the site is easy with the optional DBC5 wireless chime.

BlueEye Application

The newly designed Paradox BlueEye mobile app in conjunction with the Swan server, manages the alarm system, access, lights and garage doors, and also answer calls or connect anytime to the DB7 to view, listen, and talk when desired. Swan service keeps the history of recordings for 60 days when subscribed to recording services. History files can be viewed, downloaded, and protected from editing while in Paradox video format. The BlueEye application is used to configure easily and customize the DB7.

Video Encryption

DB7 videos are encrypted with 256 byte TLS encryption. Paradox can not decrypt the videos stored on our recording servers, only permitted users can choose to decrypt and share video files from the application. Safe, secure and private.

The installation works with existing doorbell wires, but does NOT support bell in series, wide supply range of 12-24 Vac or DC and 500 mA / 7.5W minimum. Connects via WiFi. Internal wireless chime can be added easily with the DBC5 accessory.

The DB7 is an outdoor device; in case of theft, or if vandalized, Paradox offers an insurance program. When enrolled, the DB7 is replaced once a year, no questions asked, and two times more per year at $50 cost. All stolen/ damaged DB7’s will be blacklisted and can’t be used anymore.

Features

  • Answer audio/video calls with speakerphone
  • View and listen at any time
  • Optional internal wireless chime module (DBC5)
  • Record events for up to 60 days on the cloud
    (with paid subscription) with 5 seconds pre-event
  • FHD video (1080×1920) resolution
  • HiFi audio with crisp and clear two-way communication
  • Day/Night mode with IR night illumination
  • Event trigger with PIR and/or video processing
  • Push notifications
  • WiFi connection
  • IP65 dust/water resistance
  • DB7 angle mount bracket (optional)
  • Theft protection plan

One Application
Security, Video Doorbell,
Access, Outputs, and more.

DB7 angle mount bracket

Technical Specifications

Resolution 1920 x 1080 Inverted Full HD, H.264, 15 FPS

DB7 view cam

Night Vision Infrared, 10 FPS, IR Filter when active, Anti-Glare detection
Audio HD, Class D amplifier 2.5W RMS
Power Connection 12-24 AC, DC 500mA / 7.5W minimum (Supply connection
is NOT supporting bells in series)
Detection Type Image recognition and/or PIR detection
Pre-event Recording 5 seconds before event
Field of View 155° Vertical, 94° Horizontal
WiFi 2.4 GHz, supports 802.11b/g/n
Battery Rechargeable Lithium-ion up to 10 hours in normal use
Tamper Wall
Operating Temperature -20 to 45 °C (-4 to 113 °F)
Operating Humidity 80%
Dimensions (H x W x D) 16 x 6.5 x 3.5 cm (6.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 in.)
Weight 180g (6.3 oz)
Color Options Black and white
Certifications CE, FCC, IP65
Installation Requirements Paradox panel produced on or after 2017 with IP150,
IP150+, or PCS265LTE.
All latest FW. Power (two wires), WiFi 2.4 GHz
Internal Chime (optional) DBC5, 433 MHz, 1 per doorbell, up to 100 ft, 8 chime
sounds
Cloud Recording
(subscription)
Unlimited event recordings/storage for 60 days, for all calls
(2.5 minutes file length), movement detection up to 30 sec.
and Cooldown 30 sec. All videos include 5 sec. pre-event.
Subscription activation needed via application.
Theft/vandalize Insurance
(subscription)
Insurance purchase available upon registration via BlueEye
mobile application.
Conditions apply.
Warranty 2 years, see full warranty conditions on paradox.com/terms

 

Masterworks | Fight Inflation With Fine Art

A new study from Allianz Life reports inflation is forcing many Americans to alter their retirement plans:

  • 43% said they had to dip into their retirement savings due to inflation.
  • 54% said they have stopped or reduced retirement savings due to inflation.
  • 75% are concerned that the rising costs of living will affect their retirement plans.

With inflation north of 8%, and at its highest rate in 40+ years, it’s hard to blame them.

And it may not be easing up much that soon…

$1.5 trillion investment bank Deutsche Bank recently predicted the US is likely to see price pressures remain elevated and take two years to even fall below 6%, and will hover around that level in five years.

If you’re looking for portfolio solutions to help combat inflation, consider contemporary art…

 

Contemporary art has appreciated at an average rate of 13.5% annually in high inflation periods, like right now. And during those times, it has significantly outperformed US corporate bonds (0.5%), the S&P 500 (5.5%), emerging market equities (3.9%), and gold (3.2%), according to the MW All-Art Index.

With Masterworks, you can add contemporary art to your portfolio as an inflation hedge.

Get started now. Inflation could remain stubbornly high.

Download the mobile app today!

 

 

 

Masterworks is “testing the waters” under Regulation A under the Securities Act of 1933. Masterworks will only be able to make sales after an offering statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the SEC has “qualified” the offering statement. no money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted. no offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement filed by the issuer with the SEC has been qualified by the SEC, any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of acceptance given after the date of qualification. an indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind. You must read the offering documents filed with the SEC before investing and the additional information available at masterworks.com/cd.

*Reflects value-weighted price appreciation for all Contemporary Art (works produced after 1945) sold at least twice at public auction. There are significant differences between art investments and stocks.

Masterworks is not registered, licensed or supervised as a broker dealer or investment adviser by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or any other financial regulatory authority or licensed to provide any financial advice or services.

Masterworks.io, LLC is located at 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281.

Interests/Exclusive Development Rights for Rare, 100+ Island Protected Archipelago will Auction No Reserve This December

The Widi Reserve is a coral atoll archipelago boasting 100-plus uninhabited, pristine tropical islands fringed by 150 kilometers of powder white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, and private, deep-sea, nutrient-rich waters.

Synonymous with world-class luxury resort locations, such as The Brando in French Polynesia (yet on a staggering scale 50 times larger), the Widi Reserve represents nature at its most pristine.

Now, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve and sustainably develop one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems by acquiring interests in PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII) is available for your bid price.


This island chain is one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems left on earth and an animal kingdom of epic proportions, home to hundreds of rare and endangered species.

A top international team of already compiled experts may be leveraged to produce a stunning development that is close to 100% natural and sustainable, including designs by world-renowned Hotel Designer, Bill Bensley.

Corals reefs pictured in the Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Coral reefs are the ocean’s most diverse and complex ecosystems, supporting 25% of all marine life, including 800 species of reef-building corals and more than one million animal and plant species. Each coral is a colony consisting of many individual sea anemone-like polyps that are all interconnected. Photo: Paul Hilton for Greenpeace

Set to showcase mankind’s ability to live in harmony with nature, this rare opportunity will auction via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions in December.

It has been an honor to work with [PT Leadership Islands Indonesia] to create a unique vision of eco-resorts specifically for Widi. We look forward to the future of what the Reserve becomes…”

— Mr. Bill Bensley, World-Renowned Hotel Designer,

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITES STATES, November 8, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — A once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve and sustainably develop one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems—the Widi Reserve—by acquiring interests in PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII) awaits. LII has spent several years carefully master-planning, designing and licensing one of the most environmentally sensitive low density luxury resort and residency developments in the world in partnership with world-renowned architect and hotel designer, Bill Bensley. While Indonesian law does not permit for private ownership of islands, shares in a business with development rights can be sold to anyone. This rare opportunity will be auctioned in December, selling with No Reserve to the highest bidder via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions in cooperation with JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group. Bidding is scheduled to open 8 December and conclude 14 December live at Sotheby’s New York, the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Bidding will also be available on Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ online marketplace, casothebys.com, allowing buyers to bid digitally from anywhere in the world.

“Every billionaire can own a private island; but only one can own this exclusive opportunity spread across 100+ islands,” said Charlie Smith, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ Executive Vice President, EMEA. “We’re presenting a prime opportunity for any discerning buyer in the world to participate in the conservation and development of one of the most pristine areas on earth—all available for your bid price.”

The Widi Reserve, One of Earth’s Rare Treasures

Located in far East Indonesia in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Widi Reserve is a coral atoll archipelago boasting 100-plus uninhabited, pristine tropical islands fringed by 150 kilometers of powder white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, and private, deep-sea, nutrient-rich waters. This island chain is one of the most intact coral atoll ecosystems left on earth and an animal kingdom of epic proportions, home to hundreds of rare and endangered species including Blue Whales, Whale Sharks, 600 documented species of marine mammals, fish, birds, insects and lizards, and species yet to be discovered. Separated not only by space and time, but by extraordinary natural beauty and total privacy, it is one of the most breathtaking properties anywhere on Earth. Set within the 315,000-hectare (780,000-acre) Marine Protected Area, 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of rainforests, mangroves, turquoise lagoons, lakes, and beaches await for potential eco-conscious development. With a vision for private members, special guests, and top conservationists wishing to experience one of earth’s last great wildernesses, the Widi Reserve is a secluded, other-worldly paradise.

Location Prominence in the Resort Industry

Synonymous with world-class luxury resort locations, such as The Brando in French Polynesia—yet on a staggering scale fifty times larger—the Widi Reserve represents nature at its most pristine, benefiting from extremely high levels of biodiversity, ocean cleanliness (free from major plastic pollution), lack of human interference such as deep sea drilling or busy shipping lanes, and minimal poaching. The deep waters around the Reserve are ideal for deep-sea and advanced dives, as well as freediving. Whales and dolphins can be spotted from the Reserve year-round and the inner lagoon of the East atoll, with estimated depths of 200 meters, is home to a shark pupping area and nursery for many endangered marine species. Popular live-abroad destinations are just a night’s sail away, while southern Flores, also reachable by live-abroad boat, is known as one of the best dive sites around the Komodo National Park. Transport guests to the pristine islands via Candella boat or a Pilatus private jet with potential plans to construct a 1,000-meter-long runway on one of the largest islands. Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cairns and Jakarta, provide optimal access destinations, with flight times ranging from just two to four-and-a half hours.

Prime Development Potential Awaits

Sustainable development lies at the heart of the Widi Reserve and the 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) available for potential eco-conscious and gentle build-outs, be it for a significant resort business for commercial use or a tropical hideaway for personal use. As part of the exclusive licensed rights, at least 50 luxury eco-resort/residency ‘keys’ may be developed over the next several years with the maximum sustainable development capacity at 500 keys spread across 17 islands. While a single key has the opportunity to include a 1-8 bedroom villa, the number of rooms, however, is only limited to the total covered roof area of 16.5 hectares (40.7 acres). Permission to build out over the internal lagoons could potentially be secured over a further 8 islands, bringing the total potential developable islands to 25 with a further 20 hectares (50 acres) of covered roof area.

A top international team of already compiled experts may also be leveraged to produce a stunning development that is close to 100% natural and sustainable, including designs by world-renowned Hotel Designer, Bill Bensley and Builder, PT Tunas Jaya Sanur.

“The Widi Reserve is truly one of the most beautiful sights in all of Asia,” added Mr. Bill Bensley. “It has been an honor to work with this team to create a unique vision of eco-resorts specifically for Widi. We look forward to the future of what the Reserve becomes and the opportunity to participate in the process.”

Alongside the eco lodges, private island estates, and other possible structures, a wide range of sustainable and responsible business opportunities also exists, with attractive opportunities for returns in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. The local community, based on the mainland, will benefit significantly from skills training and a wide range of employment opportunities. Some will become rangers and join a top international team of conservation experts in, helping to protect this incredible oceanic habitat. The Widi Reserve’s Conservation center will lead cutting-edge research programs including tagging, tracking and monitoring of iconic and critically endangered species. Embark on one of the most important conservation and sustainable development missions of a generation.

PT Leadership Islands Indonesia

The Widi Reserve is set to showcase mankind’s ability to live in true harmony with the natural world. PT. Leadership Islands Indonesia (LII) has spent several years carefully master-planning, designing and licensing one of the most environmentally sensitive low density luxury resort and residency developments in the world. The opportunity to conserve and sustainably develop the Widi Reserve by acquiring interests in LII presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Indonesian law does not permit for private ownership of islands however shares in a business with development rights can be sold to anyone.

Widi Reserve is available for showings by appointment and additionally available for private virtual showings.

Simultaneously featured on Sothebys.com and casothebys.com and showcased in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai, the properties hand-picked for the Global Sale will benefit from global exposure and positioning alongside the finest luxury items in the world. View all of the these incredible properties at casothebys.com

As part of Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ Key for Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, the closing will result in a new home built for a family in need.

Agents will be compensated according to the information listed on the property page. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. For more information, including property details, exclusive virtual tour, diligence documents, and more, visit casothebys.com or call +1.212.202.2940.

About Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, with a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. In November 2021, the firm was acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, holding a joint 80 percent ownership stake. Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry’s leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. Since Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ inception in 2008, it has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and conducted auctions in 46 U.S. states and 34 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which guarantees that for every property the company sells, a new home is funded for a family in need. For more information, visit casothebys.com.

Emily Roberts
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions
+1 212-202-2940
email us here

Widi Reserve | Protected Archipelago with Exclusive Development Rights | Northeast of Bali

Mallorca: Year-round demand ensures stable price development

  • Buying motives of real estate clients in centre and northeast of the island focus on renewed closeness to nature and sustainability
  • Properties with top building standards offer potential for appreciation in value

Hamburg, 01 November 2022. Mallorca is the top dream destination for many German-speaking property buyers. The Balearic island is set to remain highly sought-after as an investment location in 2023. “Clients with long-term investment plans can enjoy the benefits of secluded living here, as well as the excellent infrastructure and year-round access to exclusive recreational and cultural activities, plus the broad choice offered by 17 international schools,” says Florian Hofer, Managing Director of Engel & Völkers in the Balearics. The focus of prospective property buyers has recently shifted, away from tourist hotspots, to the mountain villages steeped in history in the centre of the island and in the northeast. Client interest is increasingly focused on traditional finca estates and renovated townhouses, as well as contemporary new builds that meet the higher demands in terms of sustainability and eco standards. The limited availability of property listings and the consistent demand mean that prices are expected to stabilise at a high level moving forward.

Centre of the island: Short times to market for authentic country houses and upmarket rural estates

Inland in Mallorca’s central region, many historic mountain villages can be found nestled in glorious countryside dotted with almond and olive groves, and wine-growing estates. Traditional villages such as AlaróBinissalem and Santa María are extremely desirable among buyers. With their beloved weekly markets, they are a magnet for local artisans, winegrowers and farmers alike. “Those looking to acquire real estate appreciate the proximity to the capital Palma, as well as the high degree of privacy offered by the substantial plots of land, where a return to nature and a more unspoilt, authentic Majorcan lifestyle can be experienced,” says Christina Deutsch, Managing Partner of Engel & Völkers Mallorca Centre & South. She is observing the following trend: “Real estate clients are looking increasingly at opportunities to own a sustainable home, and are drawn by the option of self-sufficiency, such as from growing olives or grapes in their own garden.” Demand is especially high for traditional country houses with expansive gardens and pools, as well as for authentic finca estates clad with a typical Majorcan stone façade. Such properties in prime locations in Santa María currently have average asking prices of 3 million euros. In the municipalities of Alaró and Bunyola, prices are between 2 and 3 million euros. Neighbouring towns like Binissalem and Consell command prices ranging from 1.5 to 2 million euros. The majority of buyers at the centre of Mallorca are from German-speaking countries. Recently, increasing numbers of prospective buyers from Spain, France, Belgium and the USA have been observed.

Northeast: High demand for retreats in nature and eco-efficient new properties

The northeast of Mallorca is blessed with unspoiled nature and breathtaking coastlines. CanyamelCosta de los Pinos and Artà are among the most sought-after regions, where the Mediterranean flair of the Balearic island can be experienced in full, far removed from the heavily frequented tourist hotspots. Exclusive finca estates and villas with expansive outdoor areas, gardens and terraces with sea views are among the most desirable properties for sale in the north of the island. In prime locations around Artà and Colònia de St. Pere, the average asking prices for such homes are 1.9 million euros. In the coastal resorts between Cala Mesquida and Canyamel, and in the municipality of Manacor, prices range between 1.5 and 1.8 million euros. “Many buyers are opting to acquire a holiday property in their favourite destination and extend their stays on the island to combine holidays with remote working,” says Rainer Fischer, Managing Partner of Engel & Völkers Mallorca Northeast, adding: “The incredible restaurant scene and wealth of opportunities to pursue outdoor activities like golfing, sailing, hiking, or tennis at the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy, give the region yet another boost in appeal.” The majority of search clients in the northeast are from German-speaking countries. There has recently been an increase in demand from people in the Netherlands looking for a new home on the island.

Outlook: Real estate as a long-term investment

“Residential properties at the centre of the island and in the northeast are particularly attractive for their moderate prices and potential for future appreciation in value. They serve as a long-term capital investment, offering a steadfast form of protection from inflation compared to other investment alternatives,” Florian Hofer says in summary. In view of Mallorca’s ongoing evolution into a destination for top-end tourism and the Balearic government’s constant investment in the development of the island’s infrastructure, the experts at Engel & Völkers are confident that the market will continue to see positive growth. 

 

Captions:

Refurbished 17th century estate with modern standards
Image Image  Image
This listed country house was built in 1604 between Alaró and Santa María. Its interiors span some 1,051 square metres in total, with six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Set in picturesque natural surroundings in the centre of Mallorca, the property extends over a plot of approximately two hectares. It is on the market for 6.85 million euros and features an outdoor pool and its own fountain, as well as an expansive terrace and garden grounds.
(Image source: Engel & Völkers Mallorca Central)

Eco-efficient country estate in Petra
Image Image  Image
Just a short walk from the winegrowing town of Petra, this traditional Majorcan property is currently listed with Engel & Völkers for 2.9 million euros. It spans some 876 square metres in total, consisting of two fully appointed houses separated by an outdoor pool and sourced with solar power. The main house boasts a spacious living and dining room, a kitchen, and five bedrooms. While the second house has a tourist rental licence for up to twelve people, and features a living and dining room with kitchen, and six en suite bedrooms. (Image source: Engel & Völkers Mallorca Central)

Modern villa with sea views in Canyamel
Image Image  Image
This newly built and ultra-modern villa is located on the sunny side of the coastal resort of Canyamel, close to Capdepera in the northeast of Majorca. It is on sale for 4.9 million euros. The three-level property spans 671 square metres in total, with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a spacious living room, and a separate dining room with open plan kitchen, plus a home gym and home cinema. All the rooms and expansive terraces afford panoramic views out to the sea, taking in the spectacular coastal panorama of Canyamel. (Image source: Engel & Völkers Artá)

Charming finca estate in Costa de los Pinos
Image Image  Image
Very close to the coastal resorts of Costa de los Pinos and Port Vert, Engel & Völkers is currently brokering this exceptional finca estate with an asking price of 4.5 million euros. The property features a pool and has a plot spanning 7,100 square metres, with an interior of 522 square metres in size, including six bedrooms and six bathrooms. Premium natural materials were used in the construction, including untreated marble tiling, antique ceiling beams and teak window frames.
(Image source: Engel & Völkers Artá)

Engel & Völkers | Athens Riviera: Beautiful living close to the city  centre

  • Average prices per square metre of 7,000 euros
  • Appeal of the region is drawing increasing international demand
  • Europe’s largest urban development project on former airport site 

Hamburg, 20 October 2022. The southern edge of the Greek capital Athens, just a 20-minute drive south of the Acropolis, marks the start of the Athens Riviera – stretching almost 50 kilometres along the Saronic Gulf. This picturesque coastline, from the port of Piraeus to Cape Sounion, is famous for its award-winning beaches, rocky bays with crystal-clear waters and elegant, cosmopolitan, but at the same time laid-back flair. “The Athens Riviera is currently undergoing a remarkable renaissance. Vision meets tradition here, with an atmosphere reminiscent of Beverly Hills, only without so many tourists. Many hotspots along this coast are still considered insider tips, even among Athenians, with a great deal of potential to offer. The high pace of construction activity in recent months is reflective of the dynamic development the region is currently witnessing,” says Georg Petras, CEO of Engel & Völkers Greece.

Strong demand in all coastal locations

Facing southwest and enjoying around 300 days of sunshine a year, the entire length of this coastline is known for its sensational sunsets. This makes properties here in beachfront locations overlooking the Aegean Sea especially sought after. The size and diversity of the Athens Riviera ensure an above-average number of property listings and a broad price range, whereby prices are generally more moderate than in the rest of Europe, even in the very good locations. Average square metres range from 6,000 to 7,000 euros. The highest priced areas along the Riviera include VouliagmeniVoula and Glyfada. These elegant Athens suburbs are also known as the “Hellenic Hamptons”. They boast a range of shopping and nightlife options, from local shops and authentic tavernas through to designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants and cocktail bars, in addition to charming waterfront promenades and exclusive beach clubs. Increasing popularity on the international stage saw the average price per square metre for apartments rise to 7,000 euros in very good locations in H1 2022 (H1 2021: 5.000 euros). Top prices per square can range up to 10,000 euros. Contemporary villas with premium amenities directly on the coast reach average prices of 8,000 to 12,000 euros per square metre. Luxurious residences with exceptional flair and extra-special features can sell for as much as 6 million euros.
Rising prices mean that buyer interest is shifting further away from the centre of Athens, to average locations. “The distance from the city centre to the southernmost point of the Riviera, Cape Sounion, is, in fact, only around an hour’s drive. It is still possible here to find properties directly by the sea at very moderate prices. The abundant possibilities on offer, the convenient location, and potential for relaxation and recreation all make real estate in the more southern parts of the Athens Riviera a superb investment as well,” says Georg Petras. From the region around Lagonisi to Lavrio at the southernmost tip of the Riviera, prices for detached properties range from 600.000 to 700.000 euros. Apartments are priced at an average of approx. 4,000 euros per square metre.

New construction projects boost global appeal of Athenian coastline

Besides existing properties in classic locations, it is the various new construction and regeneration projects in the region that are the driving force behind the strong market dynamics and growing international interest in the Athens Riviera. A prime example of such a project is the new groundbreaking and visionary Hellinikon quarter. Currently the largest urban development in the whole of Europe, it is taking shape on the site of the former Ellinikon Airport, which has been defunct since 2001. The area spans some 620 hectares in total, and a host of dining and recreational amenities are set to take shape here from 2023 onwards, alongside residential and commercial units in a bioclimatic, hybrid architectural design. The new quarter will also boast a marina, as well as a public park spanning two million square metres, with approximately 50 kilometres of cycle paths and walking trails. “The creation of Hellinikon will open up a new chapter for Athens and Greece, and we expect international interest in the Athens Riviera to grow and the location to gain international importance,” Mr. Petras declares. The areas of Neo Faliro and Moschato, along with the port town of Piraeus, directly south of the centre of Athens on the coast, are also up-and-coming regions with particularly high potential for regeneration and new major construction projects. The average price for contemporary newly-built villas is 1 million euros, while existing properties sell for an average of 500.000 euros.

Domestic clients dominate real estate market – international buyer groups catching up

Due to its proximity to the centre of Athens and the international airport, the Riviera is a desirable place of residence among professionals working in the Greek capital, as well as frequent flyers, families and retirees looking to lead an active lifestyle. The property market is still dominated by domestic buyers, accounting for some 60 percent of activity. In the elegant area of Vouliagmeni this ratio is even up to 90 percent. Nonetheless, the region is fast evolving from a local insider’s tip into an internationally sought-after residential area and holiday destination, both in terms of primary residences and investments. The majority of buyer groups abroad come from Central Europe at approx. 40 percent. 20 percent of these international clients are from Germany, 10 percent are from Switzerland, and 10 percent are from the UK.

Outlook: Booming tourism sector set to strengthen real estate market further

In addition to its desirable geographical location and high quality of life, it is the large number of new development projects that are putting Athens Riviera on the map again as a sought-after international hotspot. The region is set to become increasingly important as a market for first and second homes due to the rise in global demand. Engel & Völkers expects prices to increase moderately for the remainder of 2022 and the market to see positive growth in 2023, as Georg Petras confirms: “A new heyday for the region is upon us, with an exciting future ahead. The Athenian coast will continue to play a more central role for the Greek tourism sector, and this will have a positive impact on the real estate market here in the long term.”
Please be sure to include the copyright notice when using any of the images.

Captions: (Image source: Engel & Völkers Greece)

Visionary new built in Vouliagmeni
Image Image ImageThe Chrysalis is a visionary complex of four exclusive independent residences in the prime location of Vouliagmeni. The Chrysalis A1 residence is being marketed by Engel & Völkers for approx. 6.35 million euros. The architecture resembles the shape of a butterfly, whose wings extend from the properties to the garden area, providing shade for the ground floor and sea views for the top floor. Each residency features five bedrooms and five bathrooms on a total living area of approx. 500 square metres. Several luxurious amenities like wellness areas and guest apartments complete the offer.

Gate to the Aegean
Image Image ImageThis villa is located on a unique 4,820 square metres plot, only one kilometre away from Cape Sounio and the world famous Poseidon Temple, which is listed as an archaeological and heritage site. The total living area spans over more than 430 square metres, featuring four bedrooms, five bathrooms as well as two completely independent en-suite guest houses. Highlight of the property is its unobstructed panoramic view over the South Aegean. The residence is for sale with Engel & Völkers upon request.

Two luxurious villas in walking distance to the beach
Image Image Image Engel & Völkers is marketing these two modern villas close to Cape Sounion on a 3,000 square metre plot for approx. 4.4 million euros. Both villas are luxuriously equipped, each offering five large bedrooms, five bathrooms as well as a private pool. Due to the direct proximity to the sea, panoramic vistas and sunsets from each terrace are ensured.

France: Historic Château du Marais in France has a new owner

  • Engel & Völkers brokers sale of historic estate with an asking price of 52 million euros

Hamburg / Paris, 13 October 2022. Some 36 kilometres west of Paris, Château du Marais is located in the French municipality of Le Val-Saint-Germain, in the Essonne region. The château was built in the 18th century by the architect Jean Benoît Vincent Barré and is known as “Petit Versailles”.

For many years the estate was owned by the Pourtalès and Frotier de Bagneux families, who commissioned Engel & Völkers with the sale. “Every château stands as testimony to a long tradition where history passed down to a new custodian. Brokering such properties requires proven expertise, particularly when it comes to potential concepts for use, renovation work and dealings with heritage authorities,” says Alexis Caquet, Managing Director of the Engel & Völkers Market Center in Paris.

The real estate specialists in the French capital managed every stage and detail of the sales process, finding a new buyer through the international Engel & Völkers network. Château du Marais changed hands in June 2022. The new owner is the Czech businessman Daniel Křetínský.

Magnificent château steeped in history

Château du Marais is regarded as one of the most remarkable buildings from the regency period of Louis XVI and is listed as a historic monument. The interiors cannot fail to impress with their original period details, including furnishings, paintings, sculptures and handcrafted objects. The estate includes a 35-hectare landscaped park featuring magnificent gardens and a 550-metre-long mirror lake running towards the west façade of the main château.

The aristocratic families who have owned and resided in the château include the Noailles, Castellante, Talleyrand-Périgord dynasties and, most recently, the Pourtalès and Frotier de Bagneux families. “Acquiring and maintaining properties with such an immense heritage involves taking on enormous responsibilities and goes hand in hand with a real passion, expertise and attention to detail,” says Alexis Caquet, adding, “Chateaux are true gems that rarely come onto the market. So the need for expert advice on both the buyer and seller side is very high.”

Animal World “Peacock” Watch

A peacock joins the bold
jewelery bestiary by Caroline Scheufele

Chopard continues its extraordinary journey down the path of the animal world that began in 2010 when Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director, envisioned a High Jewelery collection in tribute to the House’s 150th anniversary. Unfolding an impressive jewelery bestiary, the Animal World collection left a memorable mark on the history of the House and of High Jewelery in general. The adventure continues with a watch-jewel ‘Peacock’, a peacock, which revives the world of mischief and infinite beauty that made the collection so successful.


Since the presentation of the first pieces of the collection, Animal World inspires the wonderful world of High Jewelery with miniature frescoes and dreamy tales. Each animal, invested with its own symbolic charge, represents a new challenge for Chopard’s sculptors, casters, polishers and setters. Thanks to their exceptional mastery of jewellery, they make the best possible use of shapes, tones and materials, bringing to life animals in precious stones and gold with gestures and expressions charged with emotion.

This time Caroline Scheufele has decided to pay homage through a jewel-watch to a peacock full of elegance. The bird gracefully spreads its tail around the mother-of-pearl sphere, guarding the course of time with a corsage of jeweled feathers. This fascinating fan of feathers fascinates with its multiple eyes with sapphire blue pupils, fringed with intense green eyelashes. This sun wheel, celebrated in Indian mythology, opens the mind to serene contemplation and regeneration of the soul. The peacock feather is also a symbol of justice because the balance of its plumage hangs by a thread and the weight can break it at the slightest breath.

Powered by an automatic movement, this exceptional timepiece was selected in the prestigious Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix competition in the jewelery category. Its creation has required no less than 340 hours of work by the workshops, including the setting of some 2,230 precious stones – ranging from diamonds to Paraíba tourmalines, sapphires, tsavorites and lazulites – in a skillful anodized titanium setting.

Technical details
18-carat ethical white gold and titanium watch-jewel set with sapphires (4.7 cts), Paraíba tourmalines (1.67 cts), white, cognac, black and brown diamonds (for a total of 1.55 cts), tsavorites (1.04 cts) and lazulites (0.71 cts).
Ref. 134674-9001

Engel & Völkers | Germany’s residential property market: Prices plateau on a high across country 

Germany’s residential property market: Prices plateau on a high across country 

  • 56 towns and cities across Germany compared in Engel & Völkers report for 2022
  • Stable market dynamics despite inflation and buyer restraint
  • Demand continues to exceed supply in very good locations 

Hamburg, 4 October 2022. In this year’s “Market Report for Residential Property in Germany“, Engel & Völkers analyses current market and price developments in 56 selected locations in the Federal Republic of Germany and makes a forecast with regard to market dynamics over the coming year. With the period of extremely low interest rates coming to an end in the spring of 2022, Germany’s residential real estate market is now entering a new phase. The increase in mortgage interest rates and high rate of inflation have seen property price rises of recent years tail off for the first time. In many places, the time to market also increased due to a drop of demand caused by overall buyer restraint. This has led to a plateauing of prices at a high level and, most recently, slight decreases in asking prices in average and simple locations. In July, the asking price for existing freehold apartments settled at a nationwide average of approx. 4,195 euros per square metre. This still represents a growth of 8.2 percent over the same period last year (July 2021: 3,784 euros per square metre). The market segment for houses reflects a similar picture, with average asking prices levelling out at around 415,000 euros across Germany in July (July 2021: 365,000 euros), representing a year-on-year increase of 13.7 percent. “We find ourselves in new and, for many, unfamiliar circumstances. The residential property market in Germany was predominantly a seller’s market for many years. Now we are seeing a shift towards a buyer’s market. Sharp drops in prices are not expected in the future however. This trend is far more a healthy regulating of the exceptionally high price rises witnessed in recent years,” says Till-Fabian Zalewski, CEO of the DACH region at Engel & Völkers.

Freehold apartments: Sustained demand keeps prices stable

Up until this spring, the segment for freehold apartments was still registering significant price rises, with a 10.3 percent increase in the first half of 2022 (HY1 2022: 4,095 per square metre / HY1 2021: 3,713 euros per square metre). From May 2022 onwards, asking prices plateaued across Germany and in the majority of towns and cities surveyed by Engel & Völkers. In July, moderate price declines were registered compared to the previous month of June in Germany’s Top 7 cities, which include Munich (-1.9 percent), Frankfurt (-1.2 percent), Düsseldorf (-1.4 percent) and Hamburg (-1.3 percent). Berlin and Stuttgart, on the other hand, witnessed slight increases in asking prices of +0.4 percent in the capital and +0.7 percent in the state capital of Baden Wurttemberg. With an average price of 10,067 euros per square metre, Munich leads the ranking of all the locations surveyed, followed by Frankfurt at 6,918 euros per square metre and Hamburg at 6,769 euros per square metre. Due to the ongoing shortage of available listings in many places, prices remain stable at a high level. “Living space in city centres is still very much in demand. The availability of freehold apartments in particular remains too low and the population influx into the big cities is so high that prices will continue to plateau and no major downward corrections are to be expected. Many buyer groups are showing strong credentials in terms of equity, in the prime locations in particular, meaning that slight price rises may still be seen in some locations,” says Till-Fabian Zalewski. Through to the end of 2022, Engel & Völkers forecasts moderate price rises in prime locations in more than a quarter of the 56 towns and cities surveyed.

Detached and semi-detached houses: Munich still highest priced residential location

In the market segment for detached and semi-detached houses, the development in interest rates also had a stifling effect on the rise in prices for the first time. While the percentage price increase in the first half of 2022 was as high as 13.7 percent year-on-year (HY1 2022: 390,000 euros / HY1 2021: 343,000 euros), only moderate changes in asking prices have been registered since June. The Top 7 metropolitan areas of Cologne (+ 0.7 percent) and Stuttgart (+ 5.8 percent) recorded slight price rises, while Munich (-1.5 percent), Berlin (-1.1 percent), Düsseldorf (-0.6 percent), Hamburg (-0.4 percent) and Frankfurt (-0.1 percent) all witnessed a slight decrease in prices. With an average asking price of 1.4 million euros, Munich remains the highest priced location in Germany in July 2022, followed by Heidelberg at 975,000 euros and Stuttgart at 898,000 euros. At the same time, there was a considerable rise in the number of publicly advertised property listings across Germany in the summer due to longer times to market as a result of the increased reluctance to buy. “Although buyers have become more discerning, the market also now offers many opportunities,” says Till-Fabian Zalewski, who goes on to emphasise: “Clients with a serious interest in buying have the chance right now to acquire properties that were more difficult to acquire in recent years due to competition from fellow bidders. In many cases, buyers now have the freedom to choose between different properties once again.”

Prices in German towns and cities remain stable

Valuations on the residential real estate market in Germany continue to be very stable, and while market activity has remained dynamic in recent years, real estate has also proven to be resistant to crisis. In 2021, for example, the transaction volume was 182.4 billion euros and, despite the pandemic, grew 11.7 percent over the previous year (2020: 163.3 billion euros). Even with the recent rise in interest rates, no significant decline in prices is expected in Germany’s major cities until the end of 2022. With regard to availability, the more restrained demand for residential property comes at the same time as a recent decline in construction activity due to a lack of available land for development and higher construction costs. Due to the worsening of financing conditions for some property buyers, pressure on the rental market is on the rise. Looking ahead to the coming winter, buying interest is focused in particular on newly built properties and existing homes that have been renovated with energy efficiency in mind and have modern heating systems installed. “The high demand for houses continues, as does the desire to own a home of one’s own. The level of supply is still too low to meet demand – a fact that will more than compensate for the higher interest rates,” says Till-Fabian Zalewski, who stresses the importance of location: “Real estate, especially in very good locations, remains a crisis-proof investment – not least because competitive investment alternatives are lacking.”

Outlook: Micro-locations to play a decisive role

For the coming months, Engel & Völkers anticipates that prices will remain stable in very good locations and only fall in isolated cases. The development of interest rates will impact the market. Some demand could shift to lower price segments as a result. At the same time, the shortage of real estate and decline in new construction activity will have a stabilising effect on the market. “While general sweeping statements were possible in recent years due to price rises across the entire country, exact forecasts are now difficult to make. They will depend greatly on global political and economic factors. It is therefore crucial now and in the coming months to take a close look at the respective micro-location and the property,” says Till-Fabian Zalewski. In the federal states of Hamburg and Saxony, for instance, the real estate transfer tax is set to be increased in 2023, meaning that it might be worthwhile in individual cases to bring forward a planned property purchase. Due to the geopolitical situation, buyers are becoming increasingly interested in energy-efficient real estate, which in turn will mean there will be a greater need for advice on issues such as energy-efficient renovations in the future. “In turbulent times like these, seeking professional advice from experienced real estate experts is especially important – in order to be in a position to assess the changing market climate correctly,” ´Till-Fabian Zalewski adds.

This is the tenth time that Engel & Völkers has published its “Market Report for Residential Property in Germany”. It contains in-depth analysis of price trends in all residential locations, as well as other developments on the market and financing advice (in German): https://www.engelvoelkers.com/de-de/research/immobilienpreisentwicklung/

Sources:  Asking prices: VALUE Marktdatenbank, Engel & Völkers Residential
transaction figures: Gutachterausschüsse, GEWOS-Immobilienmarktanalyse IMA®, Engel & Völkers Residential

Captions:

Elegant newly built apartment in Berlin
Image Image Image

This elegant apartment has only just been completed in the sought-after Berlin district of Charlottenburg. It has three light-flooded rooms spanning a total of 80 square metres. It is on the market with Engel & Völkers for 999,000 euros. The furnishings are especially premium in quality and include oak parquet, marble floors and custom carpentry. A balcony facing the inner courtyard and an underground parking space round off this listing. (Image source: Engel & Völkers Berlin Hohenzollerndamm Market Center/Alexander Haas)

Large eco-friendly home in Heidelberg
Image Image Image Situated at a prime address within walking distance of Heidelberg’s Old Town, this modern “Holz100” house is set on a woodland plot spanning around 9,000 square metres. The unique low-energy property is especially impressive for its special architectural design and the harmonious use of natural materials such as wood, slate and lava stone. Five bedrooms and study rooms are aligned around a large, light-flooded gallery space with an open plan living and dining area that boasts panoramic views of the city. The naturally landscaped garden boasts three terraces, an automatic irrigation system and a regeneration zone for the large organic pool. The property is on sale with Engel & Völkers for 4.95 million euros. (Image source: Engel & Völkers Heidelberg)

Low-energy house in Hamburg
Image Image Image
This house is in pristine condition and set on an approx. 242 square metre plot at the end of a row of terraced properties in the leafy suburb of Osdorf. It is on the market with Engel & Völkers for 1.08 million euros. The modern amenities are particularly energy-efficient and high in quality, with A+++ appliances. In addition to four bedrooms and a spacious living and dining area, the property also boasts a garden with a sunny south-facing terrace and a parking space. (Image source: Engel & Völkers Hamburg Elbe Market Center)

copyright photos: Engel & Völkers

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre is delighted to name Anya Taylor-Joy as a new Ambassador for the Maison, marking her debut with a short video A Call of the Heart, based on a symbolic phone call welcoming her into La Grande Maison. During the call Anya wears the Reverso Duetto Small in pink gold, which features a silvery-white dial on the front and a black dial and diamond-set gadroons on the reverse side.

The video was inspired by an historic phone call that was to have a profound impact on the Manufacture LeCoultre. In 1903, Jacques-David LeCoultre made a call to the Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger to accept the latter’s challenge of creating an ultra-thin watch movement – and so began a long and fruitful collaboration that led to the formation of the Jaeger-LeCoultre company.

“The encounter with Anya was meant to be. Her long family history with polo and interest in watchmaking led us to a natural partnership”, says Catherine Rénier, the CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. “With her ethereal beauty, her sensitivity, her talent and hardworking ethics, she embodies the values and style of our Maison.”

Recognised as one of the most exciting talents of her generation, Anya Taylor-Joy is the living embodiment of modern femininity. Her on-screen presence has a mercurial quality – otherworldly yet intensely present, fearless but vulnerable, innocent yet dangerous.

Born in Miami to British-Argentine parents, and raised in Buenos Aires and London, the 26-year-old actress won rave reviews for her breakout performance in Robert Egger’s The Witch in 2016. A series of critically-acclaimed roles followed and, in 2020, the Netflix hit The Queen’s Gambit shot her star into the stratosphere; her mesmerising portrayal of Beth Harmon won her a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors’ Guild award and a Critics’ Choice award.

This was followed by major roles in Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho and Robert Eggers’ The Northman, and she will next be seen in David O. Russell’s Amsterdam with Christian Bale and Margot Robbie, as well as Mark Mylod’s comedy-horror The Menu with Ralph Fiennes and Nicholas Hoult. Anya is currently filming Furiosa, the Mad Max prequel.

Sotheby’s Hong Kong Presents the Most Significant Chinese Works of Art Sale Series to Take Place in the Last Decade

Hong Kong
Convergence of the Finest Private Collections from the World’s Greatest Chinese Art Collectors
Dr Wou Kiuan, Mr Joseph Lau & Sir Joseph Hotung, and more

(Left to Right)

The Private Collection of Joseph Lau
A Fine Blue and White ‘Lotus Scroll’ Vase, Meiping, Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period
Est: HK$ 25 – 35 million / US$ 3.2 – 4.5 million

The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection
A Magnificent Ruby-Ground Yangcai ‘Trigrams’ Reticulated Vase,
Seal Mark and Period of Qianlong
Est: HK$ 60 – 120 million / US$ 7.6 – 15.3 million

The Personal Collection of the late Sir Joseph Hotung
A Unique and Highly Important Moulded Blue and White Barbed ‘Fish’ Charger, Yuan Dynasty
Est: HK$ 30 – 50 million / US$ 3.8 – 6.4 million

Auction: 8 – 9 October 2022

This October, Sotheby’s Hong Kong presents the most significant Chinese Works of Art sale series with the convergence of the finest private collections from the world’s greatest Chinese art collectors including Dr Wou Kiuan, Mr Joseph Lau and Sir Joseph Hotung. The star lot of this season is a Magnificent Ruby-Ground yangcai ‘Trigrams’ Reticulated Vase from the Qianlong period (Est: HK$ 60 – 120 million / US$ 7.6 – 15.3 million) from the Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part II, a carefully curated sale presenting six masterpieces from the 18th century. The collection of Joseph Lau, comprising 11 imperial gems, occupies pride of place among the very finest ever assembled in the field. At the heart of Sir Joseph Hotung’s personal collection is an array of masterpieces which charts many of the peaks in China’s long history, from the Neolithic Period to the Qing dynasty. Adding to this season’s strong line-up of renowned private collections are a selection of Ming and Qing jades from the collection of Victor Shaw and a group of archaic artworks from an important Japanese collection.

This Autumn sale series marks a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of Chinese art. Very rarely will you see such a superlative line-up from the world’s most celebrated Chinese art collections. We will be offering fresh to market masterpieces in almost each and every field of Chinese art and this is possibly the most anticipated sale series Sotheby’s has ever hosted.

NICOLAS CHOW, CHAIRMAN, ASIA AND CHAIRMAN, CHINESE WORKS OF ART

These illustrious private collections not only showcase the impeccable taste, vision and passion of this century’s most influential Chinese art collectors, but also offer a window to the extraordinary depth and breadth of Chinese art forms.

XIBO WANG, HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART

A Journey Through China’s History: The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Part II

Following on from the success of Part I in New York in March and the record-breaking first Hong Kong chapter in April, the carefully curated sale presents six masterpieces from the 18th century showcasing the unparalleled technical mastery in the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen, including a group of enamelled porcelains formerly from the Fonthill heirlooms which have not surfaced the market in around half a century. Highlights include a Qianlong magnificent and possibly unique ruby-ground yangcai ‘trigrams’ reticulated vase, corroborated by the court archives to have been made either in 1743 or immediately thereafter. The vase is a tangible testament to the unprecedented and unparalleled culmination of technical virtuosity in porcelain production between 1741 and 1743, fuelled by an imperial reprimand from the Qianlong Emperor. (Catalogue essay available upon request)

A MAGNIFICENT RUBY-GROUND YANGCAI ‘TRIGRAMS’ RETICULATED VASE,
SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG
H. 31 CM
EST: HK$ 60,000,000 – 120,000,000 / US$ 7,644,000 – 15,287,000

Another highlight also endowed with the Fonthill provenance is a magnificent pair of yangcai ‘butterfly’ vases superbly enamelled on a bright pink ground in a manner imbued with Western influences and fired to perfection.

A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF YANGCAI ‘BUTTERFLY’ VASES,
SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG
H. 47 CM
EST: HK$ 40,000,000 – 60,000,000 / US$ 5,096,000 – 7,644,000

Gems of Imperial Porcelain from the Private Collection of Joseph Lau Part II

The name Joseph Lau resonates with collectors around the globe and it is one that stands for excellence. Chinese art stands at the genesis of Joseph Lau’s adventure with art and it is on Chinese art that he cut his exacting eye before expanding his horizons. Lau assembled one of the finest collections of Chinese porcelain ever, articulated around masterpieces, each representative of the best of a certain period and type, and handpicked from the most prestigious collections.

This season’s offerings include a very fine blue and white porcelain dating from the Yongle period in the early 15th century, the pinnacle of underglaze-blue decorated wares and a period much celebrated for imperial patronage in the arts.

A FINE BLUE AND WHITE ‘LOTUS SCROLL’ VASE, MEIPING,
MING DYNASTY, YONGLE PERIOD
31.4 CM
EST: HK$ 25,000,000 – 35,000,000 / US$ 3,185,000 – 4,459,000

This meiping decorated with a lotus scroll is remarkably elegant in its potting and represents the epitome of that classic shape. Similar examples are known in the palace museums in Beijing and Taipei as well as in the Middle Eastern Royal collections of the Ottoman sultans which attest to their universal appeal and high status.

A FINE AND OUTSTANDING DOUCAI AND FAMILLE-ROSE ‘SANDUO’ MOONFLASK,
SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG
31.3 CM
EST: HK$ 20,000,000 – 30,000,000 / US$ 2,548,000 – 3,822,000

This magnificent circular flask brilliantly enamelled with fruit represents a particularly ambitious and unusual combination of the doucai and fencai schemes, which brings out the ripe fruit. The present example is superior in all aspects, from the quality of the painting, richness of the cobalt, clarity of the glaze to its pristine condition.

Hotung: The Personal Collection of the late Sir Joseph Hotung

The late Sir Joseph Hotung (1930-2021) was respected and revered in the art world for his jade collection and for his philanthropy. What is much less known is his discriminating eye for the quality and design, and the personal collection formed at his house in London as a backdrop to his life – seen only by a privileged few. The series of dedicated sales begin in Hong Kong with a focus on the Chinese masterpieces in his collection and are divided into Evening and Day sales. The works on offer, ranging from Neolithic jades and bronzes from Shang – Han dynasties to Ming dynasty furniture and modern Chinese paintings, each represent the most sought-after of their period and type. Highlights include a unique and highly important moulded blue and white barbed ‘fish’ charger from the Yuan dynasty and an important and outstanding bronze male chimera, bixie, from the Han dynasty, the latter endowed with a prestigious provenance and illustration history tracing back to as early as the 1920s in Paris.

A UNIQUE AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT MOULDED BLUE AND WHITE BARBED ‘FISH’ CHARGER,
YUAN DYNASTY
47.8 CM
EST: HK$ 30,000,000 – 50,000,000 / US$ 3,822,000 – 6,370,000

This dish is unique and was done with an attention to detail that is exceptional even among this rare group of relief-moulded dishes of the Yuan dynasty. Not only is its relief decoration extraordinarily crisp and detailed, but the popular fish design is here also rendered in a highly individual manner that knows few close comparisons. It is a masterpiece that combines the best and rarest Yuan blue-and-white styles.

AN IMPORTANT AND OUTSTANDING BRONZE MALE CHIMERA, BIXIE,
HAN DYNASTY
L. 27 CM, H. 18 CM
EST: HK$ 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 / US$ 764,500 – 1,019,000

This Han dynasty bronze chimera, powerfully rendered with vitality and strength, is a tour de force of Chinese bronzes at their peak. In addition to the prestigious Stoclet provenance, the sculpture’s publication and exhibition history can be traced back to as early as the first half of the 20th century, setting it apart from other archaic bronzes in private hands and even the most important museum examples.

Important Chinese Art including Jades from the Victor Shaw Collection

The Important Chinese Art auction presents a tightly curated sale including masterworks spanning five millennia, from the Neolithic period through to the Qing dynasty. Highlights include an extremely rare Qianlong period chenxiang mirror ‘raree’ cabinet and a Shang dynasty marble frog.

The ‘raree’ box, possibly commissioned in the 17th year (1752), is set with a mirror flanked by two circular holes through which the Qianlong Emperor would have peeped through to view painted pictures, one of which being his most poignant and enigmatically titled double-portrait, ‘One or Two?’ The powerfully carved box cabinet not only showcases the influence of Western mechanism in 18th century court in China, but is possibly the only example known to be employed by the Qianlong Emperor to ponder on the nuances between the literal reflection of the self and self-identity.

AN IMPORTANT AND SUPERBLY CARVED IMPERIAL CHENXIANGMU MIRROR ‘RAREE’ CABINET,
QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD,
POSSIBLY COMMISSIONED IN THE 17TH YEAR (1752)
75.5 BY 16 BY H. 66 CM
EST: HK$ 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 / US$ 637,000 – 1,019,000

The Shang dynasty marble frog belongs to a very rare group of marble carvings marking the dawn of Chinese sculpture. Ever so skilfully and minimalistically carved, the sculpture has truly stood the test of time in its timeless aesthetic. Also from the same important Japanese collection as the marble frog is a group of archaic artworks, including a splendidly decorated gold and silver inlaid sword-hilt, also not seen on the market for over 30 years.

AN OUTSTANDING CARVED MARBLE RECUMBENT FROG,
SHANG DYNASTY
25.3 BY 15.4 BY H. 12.5 CM
EST: HK$ 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 / US$ 382,000 – 509,600
AN EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE SWORD HILT,
LATE EASTERN ZHOU – EARLY WESTERN HAN DYNASTY
17.5 CM
EST: HK$ 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 / US$ 191,000 – 255,000

The sale also includes a carefully selected group of Ming – Qing jades from the collection of Victor Shaw (1935-2020), who was renowned not only for his discerning eye but also his philanthropic pursuits.

A RARE WHITE JADE ‘GARDEN AND LADY’ OPENWORK BOULDER,
QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
H. 10.8 CM
EST: HK$ 700,000 – 900,000 / US$ 89,000 – 115,000
A WHITE JADE ARCHAISTIC ‘DUCK AND LOTUS’ GROUP,
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
13.8 CM
EST: HK$ 500,000 – 600,000 / US$ 63,700 – 76,500FOTOGRAPHY & TEXT “Courtesy Sotheby’s”.