HONG KONG.- Christie’s Asia ushers in a season of change with the launch of two new auction categories, as part of an initiative to continually introduce fresh and exciting art and collectibles to Asia. More than 3500 lots of the finest works of art and collectibles will be presented this autumn, in a grand series of auctions estimated at HK$3billion (US$400million).

The new auction categories, “Chinese Contemporary Ink Paintings” and “Handbags & Accessories”, have seen global interest since they were inaugurated through Christie’s private sales and e-commerce.

The sale of Chinese contemporary ink paintings will offer works in a traditional medium with a bold touch of contemporary interpretation and will feature works from Taiwan’s “Father of Modern Ink” Liu Kuo-sung (b.1932), Pan Gongkai (b.1947) Qin Feng (b.1961), and more. Liu Kuo-sung's Scenery of Hong Kong is a rare 12-metre handscroll that magnificently depicts the city from sunrise to sunset and comes from the collection of renowned entrepreneur and Vitasoy founder, Dr K.S. Lo.

Handbags and Accessories will present more than 100 lots of well-loved and rare accessories from brands including Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton.

Christie's evening sale will be a visual feast with internationally sourced Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art. One of the highlights will be abstract artists from across Asia, including the Gutai movement from Japan and Chinese masterpieces from Chu Teh-Chun (1920-2014) and Zao Wou-Ki (1920-2013). Modern classics will include the art of Lin Fengmian (1900-1991) and Sanyu (1990-1966).

On the contemporary art front, an exceptional work by Zhang Xiaogang (b.1958) is Portrait with Grey Background, a work of art that reflects the universal issue of identity and is a forerunner to Zhang's renowned Bloodline: Big Family series. South-east Asian artists will also take centrestage. With their portrayal of changing societies and of symbolism, South-east Asian artists have emerged as a force in their own right, celebrating the way art transcends geographical boundaries. This auction will feature an unprecedented representative collection of 20th century Vietnamese art as well as fresh-to-market works from the Tholance-Lorenzi private collection and other painters including Hendra Gunawan (1918-1983), Le Pho (1907-2001), Masriadi (b.1973), Walter Spies (1895-1942) and more.

Classical and Modern Chinese paintings will present rare and important works by masters like Bada Shanren (1626-1705), Dong Qichang (1555-1636), Pu Ru (b. 1896-1963), Shitao (1642-1707), Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010), Xu Beihong (1895-1953) and Zhang Daqian (b. 1899-1983) as well as property from the distinguished private collections, including 34 selected paintings and calligraphy from the General Huang family collection and Chrysanthemums in a Vase by Lin Fengmian from the award winning actress - Joan Fontaine (1917-2013).

Collectors will be able to indulge their senses with an array of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, including imperial porcelain, teaware, incense and even musical instruments. Also, perhaps the rarest Thangka ever to appear at auction, the Yongle period’s (1402- 1424) A Highly Important Imperial Embroidered Silk Thangka will be offered in a single object sale. The thangka is in remarkable condition and of exceptional proportions.

Making a statement too are magnificent multi-colored Jewels. With more than 300 lots, highlights of the sale include a 10.10 carat Burmese no heat pigeon's blood red ruby, a 2.09 carat fancy red diamond by Moussaieff and a 3.39 carat fancy vivid blue internally flawless clarity diamond. Other stunning gems include fancy intense green, fancy pink, and fancy intense yellow diamonds as well as Kashmir sapphires, Burmese rubies, jadeite and Columbian emeralds.

Tradition and ingenuous craftsmanship are demonstrated in the many fine Watches and limited editions from A. Lange & Söhne, Franck Muller, Greubel Forsey, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Rolex and more. Among the highlights are a Patek Philippe 18K Pink Gold Automatic Minute Repeating Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch with a black dial, one of the very few rare combinations in existence and a fine example of the wonderful acoustics of Patek Philippe's minute repeaters. Up for auction too is a spectacular Richard Mille that was conceived for the star tennis player Rafael Nadal. The watch weighs only 19 grams and is one of the lightest in the world. Greubel Forsey watch lovers will also enjoy an additional 6-month service warranty certificate at the manufacturer's workshops, upon purchase of a watch from Christie's auctions.

For those with a palate to please, Christie’s Wine Department will offer an extraordinarily rare collection of multiple vintages across three centuries from the world famous Sauternes wine producer Château d’Yquem. There will also be a single owner collection from German master chef Mr Jörg Müller, loaded with the finest names from Burgundy, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.