As a pioneer in vintage Pu-er tea auctions in Greater China, L&H Auction successfully held its "Vintage Pu-er Tea and Premium Tea Auction" on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Despite ongoing global economic challenges, the sale attracted competitive bidding from collectors across the globe via live floor, written, phone, and online bids. The event concluded on a high note, with encouraging results and strong market participation.
The undisputed highlight of the season was a charity lot — A Piece of Circa Late 1980s 88 Pu-er Tea Cake donated by L&H Auction and personally signed by legendary actress Brigitte Lin. Widely covered during the preview period, the cake stirred fervent interest on auction day and was ultimately hammered down for an impressive HK$300,000. Proceeds from the sale will be fully donated to Charles Kao CUHK BEAT AD Service, supporting early-stage Alzheimer’s patients and their families. This gesture from the tea world represents more than charity — it is a heartfelt convergence of culture and compassion.
Although Ms. Lin was unable to attend the auction in person, she thoughtfully wrote a personal message in her book for the successful bidder —a sincere gesture that further enhanced the cultural significance and commemorative value of the signed tea cake.
Henry Chau, CEO and Founder of L&H Auction, shared, “We are deeply thankful for Ms. Brigitte Lin’s generous support, which brought a special warmth and significance to this season’s auction. The remarkable result reflects not only the generosity of the winning bidder, but also the tea community’s enduring spirit of compassion. In times like these, we are especially grateful to every collector and friend who continues to stand with us. Together, through our shared love of tea, we are reminded that the true value of Pu-er lies not only in its collectability, but in its power to inspire kindness and connection.”
Beyond the charity lot, the Spring Auction showcased strong results across various categories. Esteemed Hao Grade and Yin Grade Pu-er teas also garnered significant interest, while mid-aged teas and a selection of premium loose-leaf teas demonstrated consistent performance. This auction not only underscores the robust demand for high-end Pu-er tea but also reinforces the concept that "Tea is Liquid Gold."
*Hammer price does not include buyer's premium
Charity Lot
- LOT: 101
- A Piece of 88 Pu-er Tea Cake Signed by Brigitte Lin, Circa Late 1980s
- Donation: HK$ 300,000
One of the highlights of this Spring Auction — L&H Auction Founder and CEO, Mr. Henry Chau, presents the charity cheque alongside Dr. Chiu Ha-ying, Governor and Executive Committee Member of the Charles K. Kao Foundation and Co-Director of the Service, marking the successful sale of the charity lot at HK$300,000.
Ms. Brigitte Lin added a personal touch to the charity tea cake by signing a copy of her book for the winning bidder.
Sales Highlights
Hao Grade Pu-er
Carrying a century of history and significance, it is no surprise that esteemed Hao Grade teas continue to attain wondrous results.
- LOT: 154
- 7 Pieces of Tong Xing Hao Xiang Zhiqing Pu-er Tea Cakes, Circa 1920s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 6,900,000
- LOT: 128
- A Piece of Fu Yuan Chang Pu-er Tea Cake Signed by Mr. Deng Shihai (Green Ticket), Circa 1920s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 2,100,000
- LOT: 129
- A Piece of Chen Yun Hao Pu-er Tea Cake (White Ticket), Circa 1910s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 850,000
- LOT: 155
- A Piece of Jing Chang Hao Pu-er Tea Cake (Big Ticket), Circa 1930s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 850,000
- LOT: 153
- A Piece of Shuang Shi Hong Tai Chang Pu-er Tea Cake (Blue Ticket), Circa 1920s數量：一片
- Hammer Price: HK$ 780,000
- LOT: 156
- 7 Pieces of Pu-er Jin Cha, Circa 1930s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 480,000
Yin Grade Pu-er
Staying true to the essence of Hao Grade Pu-er, Yin Grade Pu-er achieved impressive prices as expected. Teas in original packaging stood out, attracting investor interest for their rarity and exclusivity.
- LOT: 121
- 7 Pieces of Green Mark Pu-er Tea Cakes in Bold Characters, Circa 1950s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 2,500,000
- LOT: 131
- 7 Pieces of Blue Mark Iron Pu-er Tea Cakes, Circa 1950s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 2,200,000
- LOT: 130
- A Piece of Red Mark Pu-er Tea Cake with Special Character, Circa 1950s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 800,000
- LOT: 159
- 5 Pieces of Small Yellow Mark Pu-er Tea Cakes with Green Logo, Circa Late 1960s數量：五片
- Hammer Price: HK$ 580,000
Mid-aged Pu-er & Loose Teas
The auction presents a diverse selection of tea collectibles, with strong results across multiple categories reflecting steady interest from tea enthusiasts.
- LOT: 108
- 7 Pieces of 8582 Pu-er Tea Cakes in Thick Wrapper with Commodity Inspection Sticker, Circa 1980s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 1,300,000
- LOT: 164
- 3 Pieces of 88 Pu-er Tea Cakes Formerly Owned by Mr. Vesper Chan, Circa Late 1980s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 400,000
- LOT: 165
- 21 Pieces of Zhen Chun Ya Hao Pu-er Tea Cakes, 1996
- Hammer Price: HK$ 620,000
- LOT: 140
- 2 Bags of Aged Liu Bao Tea, Circa 1950s/1960s
- Hammer Price: HK$ 300,000
Event Highlights
The cover lot of L&H 2025 Spring Auction - 7 Pieces of Tong Xing Hao Xiang Zhiqing Pu-er Tea Cakes, Circa 1920s - hammered down at an impressive HK$ 6.9 million.
The charity highlight of L&H 2025 Spring Auction - A Piece of 88 Pu-er Tea Cake Signed by Brigitte Lin, Circa Late 1980s - sold for HK$ 300,000 with no buyer’s premium.
Mr. Henry Chau, Founder and CEO of L&H Auction, delivered opening remarks while holding signed copy of Brigitte Lin’s book, a personal gift from the actress.
Dr. Chiu Ha-ying, Governor and Executive Committee Member of the Charles K. Kao Foundation and Co-Director of the Service, delivered a speech at the event.
Collectors responded with keen interest during the preview of the charity lot.
The preview drew steady visits from tea community supporters and collectors alike.
