Legendary Hong Kong art dealer Robert Chang dies at age 97

Legendary Hong Kong art dealer and collector Robert Chang has died at the age of 97, with international auction house Christie’s confirming the news on Sunday.

Born in Shanghai in the 1920s, Chang went on to become one of the first Chinese collectors to attend international auctions.

Establishing his antiques trading empire in Hong Kong, he became known for always sitting in the front row at auctions and carrying a paddle marked “001”.

In a social media post, Christie’s Asia said Chang had died peacefully at St Teresa’s Hospital in Kowloon on Saturday, surrounded by his family and friends.

“It is an understatement to say that Christie’s Hong Kong auction rooms will never be the same without Mr Chang’s enthusiastic bidding and inimitable style,” it wrote.

“He had attended Christie’s sales without fail since the first auction in Hong Kong in 1986, and until his last at Christie’s inaugural sale at The Henderson in September.

“Mr Chang had been the greatest supporter of our community; his generosity and kindness will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time of sadness.”