L&H HK Autumn Auction 2024
“Vintage Pu-er Tea and Premium Tea Auction” & “Premium Delicacies Auction”
23 November 2024 (Saturday)
15/F, Winsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
L&H HK continues to trace the history of Chinese Pu-er tea, proving its dedication to excellence by sourcing legendary classics and emerging gems from across the globe, while uncovering China’s rich cultural heritage one vintage tea cake at a time. The Autumn Auction 2024 features the finest drinkable collection with a remarkable one-fifth of the total auction lots will consist of exceptional Hao and Yin grade teas, including the coveted Gam San Lau in original packaging. Collectors are invited to witness this prestigious international Pu-er event, which also shines a spotlight on aged tangerine peel, to celebrate the essence of health and wellness in Chinese culinary traditions, opening a new chapter in the history of Chinese teas and nourishing delicacies.
Unique Gam San Lau Expected to Set New Record
Red Mark Pu-er teas have earned their legendary status as the Yin grade superiors, making a name in the industry as “drinkable antiques”. Besides, Gam San Lau has long been hailed as one of Hong Kong's most esteemed tea houses with over a hundred years of experience, serving as a testament to the city's deep-rooted tea culture. Heavily influenced by the illustrious history of tribute Pu-er teas from over two centuries ago, the early Gam San Lau Red Mark Pu-er Tea Cake has undergone nearly six decades of ageing since the 1950s. Not only is the vintage drinkable rare to find in today’s market, the Autumn sale marks the first-of-its-kind debut of seven pieces of Gam San Lau Red Mark in original packaging, proving its scarcity and uniqueness amongst a star-studded line-up.
The lot has been preserved under optimal conditions with clear strands present, thanks to the impeccable packaging. With the original packaging still intact, one piece of Gam San Lau Red Mark last appeared at an auction in 2017, during which its vibrant appearance left a lasting impression. There is no doubt that the renowned household name will continue to lead the way for premium Pu'er teas, reappearing under the hammer and poised to break records after seven years.
Tea collectors know that a drinkable collection can be just as worthy as gold. Akin to the cover lot in the Autumn Auction, another piece of Gam San Lau Red Mark without packaging fetched HK$780,000 at the 2023 Spring Auction, despite being priced at a mere thousand Hong Kong dollars in 1996. The staggering hundredfold appreciation attests to the unparalleled investment potential of vintage teas, cementing the status of Gam San Lau as the true superstars in the world of tea making, transforming tea leaves into liquid gold.
LOT 127
7 Pieces of Gam San Lau Red Mark Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa 1950s
Estimate: HK$ 4,500,000 - 8,000,000
This lot is an extremely rare collectible, preserved in a dry warehouse and presented in its original packaging and bamboo shell, significantly enhance its value and investment potential.
Tracing History with Imperial Yin Grade Teas
Among other prized treasures is a distinguished array of early 1950s Red Mark teas, including a piece with special printing and five pieces with bold characters. The exclusive opportunity to view such a diverse curation of royal-like Red Marks is made possible thanks to a seasoned collector. These tea cakes have not only been preserved in excellent condition, but also hold substantial weight. With some nearing its original state, these lots encapsulate the essence of the 1950s and before, illustrating the evolution of Yin grade teas perfectly for discerning collectors to enjoy their prominent fragrance and flavour.
The tea cake with special printing is a masterpiece from the Fan Hejun era, developed with the finest tea leaves from Menghai. Despite having been produced over half a century ago, the packaging remains remarkably complete, while the flavour stays strong and aromatic, bearing a close resemblance to Grade A Red Mark Pu-ers. Continuing the glory of the Blue Mark Song Ping Hao, one of the three major tea houses in history, the rarity of the lot makes it a desirable addition to any collectors’ dream stack. Additionally, the pieces with bold characters originate from the 1950s or earlier, boasting a stronger character when compared to typical Red Mark teas, creating a particular blend that is full of intensity but never overpowering. Combined with the specific social context and traditional tea-making techniques of its time, the tea carries both historical and collectible value, further reinforcing its appeal to tea connoisseurs.
LOT 152
A Piece of Early Red Mark Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa 1950s
Estimate: HK$ 680,000 - 1,000,000
This particular lot is especially hard to come by, featuring s a special printing with a red dot in the character "中". Not only is its packaging complete and intact, its weight is also close to its original state, weighing approximately 341g.
LOT 124
3 Pieces of Early Red Mark Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa 1950s
Estimate: HK$ 2,000,000 - 3,200,000
This lot is considered the "Big Tea Cake" version, with a diameter of 20-21cm. Their weight is close to the original state, with three pieces weighing 352 grams, 344 grams, and 338 grams, respectively.
LOT 201
2 Pieces of Early Red Mark Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa 1950s
Estimate: HK$ 1,350,000 - 2,000,000
This early version with bold character printing is considered the pinnacle of Red Mark. The tea cakes were stored in a dry warehouse, with a substantial weight of 321g and 334g respectively.
Century-Old Teas that Age Like Fine Wine
The upcoming auction promises an unparalleled experience with a grand showcase of best-in-class teas, presenting a truly diverse and comprehensive line-up. Featuring a remarkable selection of century-old Hao grade teas, including the Chen Yun Hao in original packaging, early Ke Yi Xing Tea Bricks, Song Pin Hao, Shuang Shi Tong Qing Hao and Hong Tai Chang. Equally striking are the selection of flagship Yin grade teas, such as the Red Mark in original bamboo tube, alongside other well-loved classics like the Green Mark and other Blue Mark tea cakes.
LOT 155
7 Pieces of Chen Yun Hao Pu-er Tea Cake (Black Ticket), Circa 1910s
Estimate: HK$ 5,800,000 - 8,000,000
This lot has been well-preserved in a mildly dry warehouse. There are two types of tickets: a blue inner ticket with light green print, and a large black-on-white ticket, which indicates the highest standard in production.
LOT 132
A Piece of Song Pin Hao Pu-er Tea Cake Signed by Bai Shuiqing (Blue Ticket), Circa 1917s
Estimate: HK$ 1,000,000 - 1,600,000
This lot features a label with the famous tea master Mr. Bai Shuiqing's handwriting: "Exceptional Song Pin Hao from the Late Qing Dynasty". This lot has preserved in a dry warehouse, making it highly valuable and rare.
LOT 130
A Piece of Shuang Shi Tong Qing Hao Pu-er Tea Cake (Early Five Color Flag), Circa 1920-1928
Estimate: HK$ 800,000 - 1,400,000
This lot has been preserved in excellent condition in a dry warehouse. The tea has developed a robust, long-lasting flavor, making it a rare and exceptional selection.
LOT 131
A Piece of Hong Tai Chang Pu-er Tea Cake (Blue Ticket), Circa 1920s
Estimate: HK$ 700,000 - 1,200,000
This lot is a made of Yiwu antique leaves, and has been preserved in a mildly dry or natural warehouse. Most Hong Tai Chang teas available today come from the Thai branch, making this particular lot extremely valuable.
LOT 149
7 Pieces of Red Mark Pu-er Tea Cake without Wrapping, Circa 1950s
Estimate: HK$ 1,600,000 – 2,800,000
This lot has been well-preserved in a natural warehouse and is in excellent condition. This is a rare collectible of the highest quality, making it a perfect item for investment collectors.
LOT 125
7 Pieces of Green Mark and Grade A Blue Mark Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa 1950s
Estimate: HK$ 2,200,000 – 3,800,000
This set consists of both Green Mark and Grade A Blue Mark, which was common practice in the 1950s before standardized production. It has been preserved in a dry warehouse, making it suitable for both tasting and collection.
LOT 133
7 Pieces of Blue Mark Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa 1950s
Estimate: HK$ 1,800,000 – 3,000,000
This lot has been preserved in a mildly dry or natural warehouse under good conditions. Its unique slow transformation has made it reached its optimal drinking period.
Under the philosophy of “Greatness Consists in Refinement”, L&H HK is committed to the pursuit of excellence, travelling the world to discover next-in-line staples that match the celebrated antiques. The market for mid-age Pu-er has now surpassed watches and jewellery, while still more accessible in comparison to the more elusive antique Pu-er teas, offering a phenomenal fuse of drinkability and investment potential. Beloved by new and seasoned collectors alike, the 8582 and 88 Pu-er continue to serve as auction staples, with age-old recipes generating eternal value over time.
LOT 102
5 Pieces of 8582 Pu-er Tea Cake in Thin Wrapping, Circa 1980s
Estimate: HK$ 400,000 – 680,000
The lot is in perfect condition, and has been stored in an absolute dry warehouse. It has developed a long-lasting aftertaste with multiple layers, comparable to that of Yin Grade Pu-er.
LOT 108
14 Pieces of 8582 Pu-er Tea Cake in Thick Wrapping, Circa 1980s
Estimate: HK$ 1,400,000 – 2,200,000
This lot is preserved in a dry warehouse. It is revered as a premium mid-term Pu-er tea, making it one of the most well-known teas in the Pu-er tea history.
LOT 101
7 Pieces of 88 Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa Late 1980s
Estimate: HK$ 680,000 – 1,200,000
These tea cakes are standard large size, each weighing between 340 and 357g. Aged in an absolute dry warehouse, the brewed tea boasts a strong flavor, making it highly sought after by collectors.
LOT 107
7 Pieces of 88 Pu-er Tea Cake, Circa Late 1980s
Estimate: HK$ 680,000 – 1,200,000
This batch is significant as it represents the first batch of Pu-er aged under absolutely dry storage in a large scale, making it an ideal choice for collectors and investors.
LOT 105
7 Pieces of 88 Pu-er Tea Cake in Thick Wrapping, Circa Late 1980s
Estimate: HK$ 400,000 – 700,000
This lot is an earlier version with thick cotton packaging. After aging in a dry warehouse, the tea reveals a unique orchid and camphor fragrance.
Other noteworthy mentions include the memorable Liu Bao Tea in original casing and limited Liu An Tea in original basket - both excellent examples of fine black teas. Furthermore, a variety of aged white teas can be found despite limited production and ongoing consumption, further demonstrating the collectible value of well-made Pu-er teas.
LOT 139
A Bag of Liu Bao Tea, Circa 1950s/1960s
Estimate: HK$ 800,000 – 1,200,000
This lot has been preserved in excellent condition. Its unique steaming process enhances its rich and mellow flavor, making it popular for both taste and health benefits.
LOT 135
6 Pieces of Sun Yi Shun Liu An Tea, Circa 1930s/1950s
Estimate: HK$ 400,000 – 700,000
Sun Yi Shun is the most famous brand of antique Liu An tea, often referred to as the "King of Liu An Tea." This lot is one of the few remaining in the market today.
LOT 140
A Bag of Loose Leaf Pu-er Tea, Circa 1970s
Estimate: HK$ 680,000 – 1,000,000
This lot comes in its original bag marked with batch number "111". Soured from the border of North Vietnam, it inherits the craftsmanship of Yunnan Pu-er but differ in flavor and quality due to their distinct production areas.
Additionally, the ‘Premium Delicacies Auction’ offers aged tangerine peels known for their medicinal value and rarity. Sourced from three major regions, they are perfect for both gifting and personal use, providing collectors with a diverse range of options.
LOT 304
Tianma Dried Tangerine Peel, Circa 1970
Net Weight: 980g
Estimate: HK$ 40,000 – 65,000
The peels are large yet thin, with an oily and lustrous exterior. It has been stored in a dry warehouse, making it a rare find.
LOT 316
Dongjia Dried Tangerine Peel, Circa 1987
Net Weight: 1500g
Estimate: HK$ 55,000 – 88,000
This lot was harvested after the winter solstice from the largest and sweetest fruits, naturally sun-dried and aged. After over thirty years of aging in a dry warehouse, it remains in excellent condition.
LOT 318
Meijiang Dried Tangerine Peel, Circa 1991
Net Weight: 1038g
Estimate: HK$ 26,000 – 45,000
Meijiang is the core production area for aged tangerine peel. These large peels have been naturally sun-dried and well-preserved for over thirty years.
Upholding Excellence and Chinese Culture
As the world’s pioneering auction house, L&H HK has been at the forefront of the tea auction scene since launching its first sale in the autumn of 2014. Playing a pivotal role in establishing the value of antique teas, while bridging the gap between tea enthusiasts, L&H HK offers a space for like-minded individuals to connect and share their passion. Having hosted over twenty tea-focused auctions over the years, each collection features an increasingly diversified and extensive offering of Chinese teas. With the goal to revitalise tea culture and adapt nourishing delicacies into everyday life, the next exciting chapter in the history of Chinese tea and culture awaits.
L&H HK Autumn Auction 2024
Auction
Nov 23 (Saturday)
2 p.m. – Vintage Pu-er Tea and Premium Tea Auction
4:30 p.m. – Premium Delicacies Auction
Preview
Nov 21 to 23 (Thursday to Saturday)
Venue
15/F, Winsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
