Inside the Philippe Damas Collection and a Historic Christie’s Hong Kong Auction: A Quest for Eternity
Boi Tran Garden reflects on a defining moment for Vietnamese modern art, following an intimate encounter with collector Philippe Damas and Francis Belin on the eve of Christie’s Hong Kong auction A Quest for Eternity. The landmark sale achieved historic results, setting multiple world records and affirming the growing international recognition of Vietnamese modernism. More than an auction, A Quest for Eternity stands as a testament to scholarship, vision, and the enduring cultural legacy of Vietnam’s artists on the global stage.
Philippe Damas in his residence in Singapore.
Boi Tran Garden was proud to be welcomed into the Singapore home of Philippe Damas and to meet Francis Belin, former President of Christie’s Asia, two figures whose vision and influence have played a decisive role in shaping the international appreciation of Vietnamese modern art. The intimate afternoon, marked by warmth and thoughtful exchange, brought together painter Boi Tran, Philippe Damas, and Francis Belin in a setting defined by shared scholarship, curiosity, and respect for cultural heritage.
Boi Tran, Francis Belin, Philippe Damas and Thuc Doan at Mr Damas's residence in Singapore.
This encounter took place on the eve of what would soon become a historic moment: the Christie’s Hong Kong auction of A Quest for Eternity: The Philippe Damas Collection on 29 March 2025. More than a sale, the event would be recognised as a defining chapter in the global narrative of Vietnamese modern art.
An exquisite private collection of Southeast Asian art and antiques, meticulously curated by Philippe Damas. Each photograph offers a glimpse into a world where history and artistry intertwine, capturing the tranquil elegance of the collector’s residence. Within this refined space, traditional sculptures, evocative paintings, and antique furnishings come together in perfect harmony, breathing life into the rich cultural heritage they embody.
It’s more than an auction, it’s an invitation to own a piece of history. Discover artworks that not only echo the personal journey of a devoted collector but also celebrate the vibrant and diverse artistic legacy of Asia.
A Historic Auction Result
On 29 March 2025, Christie’s Hong Kong witnessed an extraordinary outcome as A Quest for Eternity realised a total of HKD 60.5 million (USD 7.85 million / EUR 7.2 million). The auction established 13 world records, underscoring the depth and significance of the collection. Artists setting new benchmarks included Nguyen Gia Tri, Joseph Inguimberty, Jos-Henri Ponchin, Victor Tardieu, Luu Van Sin, Nguyen Sang, Albert Cézard, Henri-Émile Vollet, Gaston Roullet, Marcel Bernanose, Georges Barrière, René Bassouls, and François de Marliave, alongside an Asian record for Tran Phuc Duyen.
The momentum of the evening extended beyond the core collection. The sale of seven additional works brought the total for the single session to an unprecedented HKD 71.6 million (USD 9.205 million / EUR 8.505 million), a record-breaking achievement for a single collector at Christie’s.
Highlight of the Sale: Les trois femmes by Nguyen Gia Tri
Nguyen Gia Tri (Vietnam, 1908-1993)
Le trois femmes (Three Ladies)
signed and dated 'Ng TRI 34' (upper right); signed 'TRI' (on the reverse); inscribed 'Je soussigné, Jean Volang, artiste-peintre, 167, rue de Vaugirard 75015 Paris certifie que ce tableau est bien de la main de mon ami Nguyen Gia Tri. Paris, le 21 juin 2000, Jean Volang' (on the stretcher)
oil on canvas
116.5 x 89.5 cm. (45 7/8 x 35 1/4 in.)
Painted in 1934
Provenance
Gift from the artist to Le Pho
Private collection, France (acquired from the above)
Acquired from the above by the present owner
The work is accompanied by a handwritten letter of authenticity certified by Le Pho on the date of 10 July 2000.
Exhibited
Hanoi, Société Annamite d'Encouragement à l'Art et à l'Industrie (SADEAI), 1935
Mariemont, Musée Royal de Mariemont, Arts Du Vietnam: La Fleur du pêcher et l'Oiseau d'azur, April-August 2002
Hong Kong, LGDR & Wei, Scenes Of This World: Modern Paintings From Singapore and Vietnam, January-March 2023
Illustrated
La Fleur du Pêcher et l’Oiseau d’Azur, Arts du Vietnam, 2002, Jean-François Hubert and Catherine Noppe
Estimate
HKD 4,000,000 – HKD 6,000,000
Price Realised
HKD 16,105,000
Among the most resonant moments of the auction was the sale of Nguyen Gia Tri’s masterwork Les trois femmes (Three Women). Achieving HKD 16,105,000 (USD 2.07 million / EUR 1.913 million), the painting set a new auction record for the artist. Celebrated for its refined composition and lyrical balance, the work reaffirmed Nguyen Gia Tri’s enduring legacy as one of the most pivotal figures in Vietnamese art history.
Unprecedented World Records
The auction established new global benchmarks for key protagonists of Vietnamese modernism. World records were set for Nguyen Gia Tri, Joseph Inguimberty, Jos-Henri Ponchin, and Luu Van Sin, reflecting a growing international recognition of the intellectual, aesthetic, and historical importance of Vietnamese modern art.
A Defining Moment for the Global Art Market
Beyond its exceptional financial results, A Quest for Eternity stands as a testament to Philippe Damas’ lifelong commitment to scholarship, connoisseurship, and cultural preservation. The auction signalled a decisive shift in the global art market, one in which Vietnamese modernist works are no longer peripheral, but firmly positioned within the international canon of twentieth-century art.
For Boi Tran Garden, this moment resonates deeply. It affirms the value of sustained dialogue, rigorous research, and shared passion in advancing the understanding and appreciation of Vietnamese art worldwide. A Quest for Eternity will remain a point of reference, not only for collectors and institutions, but for all who believe in the enduring power of art to transcend time and geography.
