In May 2023, Kevin Ching was appointed chairman of Christie’s Asia. He speaks to Tatler about his passion for the industry, the importance of jade, his jade collection and his most memorable auction moment to date
Following his decades-long career in the art and luxury industry in Asia, Kevin Ching’s new role at Christie’s has seen him deepen and expand the auction house’s client relationships across the region. In his previous role as Sotheby’s chief executive officer in Asia from 2006 until his retirement in 2021, Ching was responsible for its strategic expansion in the region, particularly into mainland China. A year after coming out of retirement for this new chapter at Christie’s, Ching sits down with Tatler.
Tell us about your journey into the auction industry.
I was never good with numbers or science. I was more of an art and culture person. My parents wanted me to become a doctor, but that never happened, as I kept failing my science exams at school. They sent me to England in the 1970s for boarding school and further education and I did very well as a law student. I even studied Chinese and Soviet law for my master’s degree.
I eventually returned to Hong Kong and became one of the youngest partners at Johnson Stokes & Master, [then] one of the largest law firms in Hong Kong. I started collecting small Chinese jade carvings and developed friendships with many collectors socially. I was stationed in Beijing for two years in the 1980s as [the law firm’s] China representative, during which I became even more interested in Chinese history and culture. I spent all my weekends visiting museums and historical sites, as well as flea markets. Beijing and its people were fascinating.
Although I was quite outstanding in law academically, I was less good as a practising lawyer. I began to find the daily routine of doing research and paperwork in the office a little boring after doing it for almost ten years. The opportunity to switch jobs came when a friend, who was the chairman of global luxury goods and high-end retail business Dickson Concepts [Tatler’s Asia’s Most Influential honouree Dickson Poon], asked me if I would like to join his board as the group’s legal counsel and at the same time help grow its retail business in mainland China. I said yes immediately, and I spent the next 15 years with that company.
During those 15 years, I was approached by quite a few international auction houses to see if I would be interested in heading their operations in Asia. They could see that Asia, especially mainland China, would become the major growth area for art collecting. The auction houses felt that my legal skills, my jade collecting, my social connections and [my] negotiation skills would make me a perfect candidate to head their businesses. In the end, I became the CEO for Sotheby’s in Asia until my retirement. Of course, I have now come out of retirement and am now the Asia chairman for Christie’s.
What attracted you to Christie’s specifically?
It was all about the right opportunity coming at the right time. Total retirement was becoming a little dull. Christie’s allowed me to align my interests and contribute my knowledge and experience.
I joined Christie’s at such an interesting and exciting time for its business in Asia, as the region’s art and luxury market is thriving. My passion for the industry is steadfast, and this role will allow me to further foster and cultivate relationships with Asia’s collectors—[something] that I have always enjoyed.
Tell us about a particularly memorable auction or art sale that you were involved in.
In the last autumn auction, held in November, the single-owner auction for the Tianminlou Collection achieved outstanding results, reaching a total of HK$260 million. Over 70 per cent of the lots surpassed their pre-sale high estimates. This remarkable collection consisted of Chinese porcelain spanning the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, causing a sensation in the entire auction industry. We were thrilled to witness intense bidding throughout the salesroom, reflecting the significant appreciation and recognition of the exceptional quality and artistic significance of these masterpieces. It is equally important to highlight the mutual trust between the [original] owner of the collection and Christie’s.
A colleague and I have been very good friends with the owner and his family for many years, so we understood each other’s needs and working style in the finest detail. That played a critical role in the successful execution of the auction. This is something that I am extremely proud of.
What sparked your interest in collecting jade?
I have always admired Chinese culture since I was young. During my free time [while living in Beijing], I would ride my bicycle around the city to different antique markets to treasure hunt. At the time, porcelain was far too expensive for me and jade was relatively more affordable. Jade not only served as an object for appreciation—its tactile quality also provided stress relief, by fondling pieces.
Additionally, the old Chinese saying “gentlemen must wear jade”, mentioned in ancient texts, along with the association of jade with the Five Virtues [in Confucianism]— such as benevolence, wisdom and righteousness—further deepened my desire for it. Jade holds a profound place in our Chinese cultural heritage and history.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I am quite lazy these days when it comes to exercising. I either swim or go to the gym twice a week, but for no more than an hour each time. I take Chinese calligraphy lessons and buy a piece of jade very occasionally and only if and when I have some spare money. On weekends, I enjoy drinking nice Chinese tea and playing with my little Yixing teapots.
How do you envision the future of the auction industry?
Asian buying has been strong and consistent across our art and luxury sales worldwide, with a growing presence of young buyers in the region. The art scene in Hong Kong is buzzing, as seen during this year’s Art Basel, demonstrating that Hong Kong continues to be a dynamic hub for art and cultural exchange. Looking ahead, we are cautiously optimistic and of course there is exciting news including the relocation of our Christie’s Asia Pacific headquarters to The Henderson in September. Our focus remains on curating top- quality sale selections, fair pricing, digital innovations and engaging educational experiences to nurture the love of collecting in Asia across generations.
By Tara Sobti - Tatler Asia.