Back with a Bang

In May 2023, Kevin Ching was appointed chairman of Christie's in Asia. He speaks to Tatler about his passion for the industry, his collection of jade and his most memorable auction moment to date

- Zed Leets

Following his decades-long career in the art and luxury industry in Asia, Kevin Ching’s new role at Christie’s has seen him deepen and expand the auction house’s client relationships across the region. In his previous role as Sotheby’s chief executive officer in Asia from 2006 until his retirement in 2021, Ching was responsible for its strategic expansion in the region, particularly into mainland China. A year after coming out of retirement for this new chapter at Christie’s, Ching sits down with Tatler.

Tell us about your journey into the auction industry.

I was never good with numbers or science. I was more of an art and culture person. My parents wanted me to become a doctor, but that never happened, as I kept failing my science exams at school. They sent me to England in the 1970s for boarding school and further education and I did very well as a law student. I even studied Chinese and Soviet law for my master’s degree.

I eventually returned to Hong Kong and became one of the youngest partners at Johnson Stokes & Master, [then] one of the largest law firms in Hong Kong. I started collecting small Chinese jade carvings and developed friendships with many collectors socially. I was stationed in Beijing for two years in the 1980s as [the law firm’s] China representative, during which I became even more interested in Chinese history and culture. I spent all my weekends visiting museums and historical sites, as well as flea markets. Beijing and its people were fascinating.