The tills are ringing, the air is buzzing and the halls are filled with beaming clients, artists and gallery owners here at Art Hong Kong.  In just its third year of operation, Art HK has clearly positioned itself at the top end of the art fair market and collectors are feeling comfortable and confident about purchasing artworks from artists and galleries from across the globe.  In the words of one Australian gallery director "I am selling to INTERNATIONAL clientele".

It certainly wasn't a feeding frenzy, but the bidding was persistent and determined at Christies November 29th Hong Kong auction of C20th Chinese and Contemporary Asian art.  Lots by masters such as Chu The-Chun and Zao Wou-ki were heavily contested.  A beautiful oil on canvas depicting falling snow Vertige Neigeux, 1990-1999 (lot 1020) by Paris-based Chu The-Chun amazed the 400 strong audience to achieve a hammer price of HK$40million (US$5.15m) off an opening bid of HK$13million.  It was chased by at least 3 buyers on the phones and 2 bidders in th