From understanding their iconic status, auction records, to identifying leather, shapes and mode of creation, join Sara Mao, Christie’s Education Asia Pacific Director, who will lead the programme and introduce participants into the fascinating world of iconic handbags and their place in the collector’s market today.
Participants will gain first-hand knowledge in authenticating leather-types and exotic skins, recognize major designers and trends over the decades, and gain insight into the Hermes market which created the auction world record for any handbag sold, here in Hong Kong. Sessions will also include presentation opportunities and round table discussions with handbag specialists.
Day 1
• History of Collecting Handbags Day 2 • IT Bags over the Decades: Major Designers and Trends
• Differentiating Exotic Skins Day 3
• The Hermès Market – An Alternative Asset Class Day 4
• Christie’s Success in Handbags Auctions • Determinants of Value for Luxury Handbag Day 5 • Differentiating Leathers
• The Hermès Market – Identifying Styles, Authenticating Handbags
Sara Mao Director Christie’s Education Asia Pacific
Sara Mao is the Director for Christie’s Education in Asia Pacific, overseeing the development of programmes and partnerships across Hong Kong, China, and South East Asia. Sara joined Christie’s in 2008 and was appointed Specialist Head of Sale for Chinese Modern Paintings in 2015, and then as Director for Christie’s Education in 2018.
Sara has curated over ten seasons of auctions for some of the most iconic paintings in the field of Chinese paintings, nurturing client relationships with seasoned collectors and new buyers, and leading the growth of the category through securing consignments globally for auction and private sales. She was responsible for spearheading record-breaking sales of Fu Baoshi’s The Song of the Pipa Player for HKD204.8 million, and Zhang Daqian’s Ancient Temples Amidst Clouds for HKD102.4 million, in 2017.
Bringing her specialist experience to education, she currently leads programmes in Asian Art, Art Business and Luxury Connoisseurship, with a focus on Women Artists and Art & Tech. She was the curator for Christie’s Art + Tech Summit “Mixed Realities” in 2019, and co-convenor for Christie’s Education’s first online academic conference “The Chinese Art Market”, in 2020.
Sara is also an auctioneer for Christie’s, supporting numerous charity auctions including Save the Children, Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish Foundation, The National Kidney Foundation (SNG), and others.
After receiving her B.A. in Philosophy & English Literature at the University of York (UK), Sara acquired her Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP Law School (UK) and a Master of Letters in History of Art and Connoisseurship, with a concentration in Chinese art, from Christie’s Education and the University of Glasgow.
