NALC Logo
Property for sale by Auction A woman in a red dress stands at a podium labeled

All-Time World Ranking List for Auctioneers – Part 4: Emmanuelle Chan of Christie’s – The World’s Greatest Woman Auctioneer

World ranking list of Auctioneers Part 4

In the third installment of our series of blogs for the day, we take a moment of this sunny Saturday morning to spotlight a figure who has carved out a formidable reputation in the auctioneering world. Emmanuelle Chan, a name synonymous with Christie’s, has been hailed as the world’s greatest woman auctioneer. Her journey to the pinnacle of auctioneering is a testament to her skill, charisma, and unparalleled ability to captivate an audience.

 

Emmanuelle Chan: A Portrait of Excellence

Emmanuelle Chan’s ascent in the auctioneering industry is a narrative of relentless dedication and passion for the arts. Her career at Christie’s, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious auction houses, has been marked by a series of ground-breaking achievements and record-setting auctions.

Property for sale by Auction A woman in a red dress is standing at a Christie's auction podium, raising her right arm, possibly taking bids. The background features an image with the words "Leroy" and "Bourgogne, France." She appears to be engaged and smiling. Presented by World of Auctions
Emmanuelle Chan in a red dress is standing at a Christie’s auction podium, raising her right arm, possibly taking bids. The background features an image with the words “Leroy” and “Bourgogne, France.” She appears to be engaged and smiling. Presented by World of Auctions

The Auctioneering Style of Emmanuelle Chan

Chan’s auctioneering style is a blend of precision, grace, and a deep understanding of the psychological dynamics at play within the auction room. She possesses an uncanny ability to read the room, sensing when to encourage a hesitant bidder or when to allow the tension to build before calling for the next bid. Her eloquence in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, and French, has allowed her to connect with a diverse array of clients, making her a truly global auctioneer.

Her approach is theatrical yet authentic, a performance that turns each auction into an event. She is known for her quick wit and humour, which she seamlessly integrates into the high-stakes environment of the auction room. This unique combination ensures that bidders are not only engaged but also entertained, often leading to higher engagement and, ultimately, higher bids.

 

Emmanuelle’s Greatest Successes at Auction

Emmanuelle Chan has presided over some of Christie’s most successful auctions. In June of 2020 her department presided over

THE HIGHEST EVER ONLINE SALE TOTAL IN ANY CATEGORY FOR CHRISTIE’S ASIA

ACHIEVED THE 3 HIGHEST LOT PRICES EVER SOLD ONLINE IN ASIA

At the time Emmanuelle Chan, who is based in Hong Kong, is currently a Associate Vice President, Specialist – Head of 20th century art Day sales at Christie’s for Modern and Contemporary Art, Asia Pacific, remarked “The extraordinary results of this online Contemporary Art sale in Christie’s Asia prove once again the vitality and resilience of the art market. By responding to both client demands and the global circumstances, we have rapidly evolved our online sale offerings to include high-value, high-quality artworks. The success of this sale demonstrates that collector appetite is robust and that online sales continue to be a powerful channel to engage with our clients.”

Artmarketinsight/the-18-artworks-that-have-fetched-over-100-million

 

Another highlight during her time at Christie’s was the auction of a rare blue diamond, which was expected to sell for $30 million but, under her stewardship, achieved an astonishing $57 million. This sale not only set a record for the price per carat for a diamond of its kind but also underscored Chan’s exceptional ability to drive up the final hammer price.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67346783

 

When on the Rostrum As Auctioneer some of Emmanuelle Greatest achievements have been in selling a wealth of many Chinese ceramics for sums well in excess of many millions of Honk Kong Dollars.

The Impact of Emmanuelle Chan

Emmanuelle Chan brings experience from previous roles at Christie’s. Emmanuelle Chan holds a 2012 – 2013 Master 2 (2nd year MA) in Marché de l’art (Art Market) @ Université Panthéon Sorbonne (Paris I).

Emmanuelle Chan’s impact on the auctioneering world extends beyond the gavel. She is a role model for aspiring auctioneers, particularly women who see in her a figure of empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her success has paved the way for greater diversity in the industry and has inspired a new generation to approach the art of auctioneering with boldness and creativity.

 

Conclusion

 

Emmanuelle Chan’s reputation as the world’s greatest woman auctioneer is well-earned. Her dynamic presence, expert knowledge, and strategic acumen have not only led to record-breaking sales but have also elevated the art of auctioneering. As we continue to celebrate the all-time greats in this field. The mere fact that Miss Chan is already building a truly legacy is a reminder of the power of her own brand of skilful storytelling and the human touch in the world of high-stakes auctions.

Stay tuned for the final blog in our series, where we will delve into the future of auctioneering and the emerging talents shaping this exciting industry.

*This blog is part of a series celebrating the most accomplished figures in the world of auctioneering, highlighting their unique contributions and the moments that have defined their careers.*