WHO COULD WIN IT?
To find out what kind of bidder might end up becoming the new owner of the T. rex, CNA spoke to Mr Francis Belin, president of Christie’s Asia Pacific.
“Fossils of prehistoric creatures are extremely rare and highly sought after. They have captured the imagination of collectors ever since their discovery in the 19th and early 20th centuries. With each species discovered came new fascination,” he told CNA.
“We expect interest from museums, cultural institutions and private individuals across the globe, of all ages and interests, who collect across multiple categories.”
Mr Belin said that the choice of Singapore as a location for the preview reflects Christie’s “continued commitment, investment and confidence in Singapore as the key centre for Southeast Asia”.
“Christie’s have witnessed a surging appetite in Southeast Asia for our art and luxury categories, including objects of historical significance,” he said.
Mr Belin said that he expects bidders from Singapore and Southeast Asia to be among those vying for the ownership of the skeleton.
“Buyers in Southeast Asia are increasingly sophisticated and selective across our categories – this is why we have responded with an unprecedented and diverse Autumn Auction preview in Singapore, that is thoughtfully curated and aims to shape and nurture their collecting tastes,” he said.
Responding to a question about concerns among palaeontologists that putting rare fossils up for auction could result in specimens landing in the hands of private collectors and not museums, Mr Belin said: “It is the will of the consigner that the skeleton be presented at auction, and Christie’s are honoured to be the chosen platform.
“It is our role to offer an open, fair auction process, in which museums, cultural institutions and private individuals all have the ability to participate at the same time.”
“Given Shen the T. rex’s scale and significance, it is possible that a private buyer may loan or donate the skeleton to a museum, and it is also possible that the skeleton will be purchased directly by a museum,” he added.
“It is worth noting that only two T. rex skeletons have ever sold at auction, and both have gone to museums.”
Mr Belin highlighted that the consigner had also invested in scientific research by academic palaeontologists “in the interest of accessibility, science and furthering knowledge”.
The Singapore preview of Christie’s Hong Kong Autumn Auctions will also feature 20th- and 21st-century works from Asian and Western artists as well as luxury items such as watches, handbags and jewellery.
These will be on display at the Arts House from Oct 29 to Oct 30.