Lacquered polyurethane resin sculpture Edition: 229/599

31.8 × 39.3 × 32 cm. 12 1/2 × 15 1/2 × 12 5/8 in.

Signed in English, numbered and dated on the side of edge
PROVENANCE
Bernardaud Boutique, Paris
Important Private Collection, Asia

This work is accompanied by its original conton box, cleaning cloth, hand glove and certificate of authenticity issued by Bernardaud boutique, Paris

Radiant Brilliance, Artistry Unparalleled:
Jeff Koon's Contemplative Masterpieces

Jeff Koons was born in 1955 in Pennsylvania and earned his bachelor's degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1976. He developed a sculptural visual style combining Pop Art elements with exaggerated visual effects. They are housed in prominent collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo. Consequently, he is acclaimed as one of the most prominent artists in the contemporary art world.

The Anthem and Satire of Consumerism

The Diamond (Red) being auctioned is a smaller version of Koons' Red series from the Diamonds project completed between 1994 and 2005, which included five colours: green, pink, blue, yellow, and red. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were the "tears of the gods." Red diamonds are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 20 known to exist publicly. The largest red diamond weighs 5.11 carats, making them the rarest coloured diamonds. They are considered to symbolize "immortal love."

In this piece, Koons magnifies tiny diamonds, presenting them as "Round Brilliant" cuts, showcasing the marvelous optical fibers of the gem at different angles through polygonal cuts. The base adopts a classic gold four-prong setting design reminiscent of engagement rings. The juxtaposition of the large red round diamond and the gold ring setting symbolizes unity and commitment. Simultaneously, the deliberate use of eye-catching colours emphasizes the artist's satire of commercial consumerism, suggesting that all external beauty is superficial. The artwork provokes reflection in the realms of eternity and the present, immortality and change, natural and artificial, love and materialism.

Exquisite Craftsmanship Challenges the Notion of "Natural" Diamonds

Diamond (Red) is released in a limited edition of 599. When viewed, the play of light and shadow creates a unique visual and sensory experience for the viewer, allowing them to appreciate its beauty from different angles.

Price estimate:
HKD: 80,000 – 100,000
USD: 10,200 - 12,800

Auction Result:
HKD: 96,000