Hermes Birkin Handbag sells for record US$223,000 in Hong Kong

[HONG KONG] A rare Hermes Birkin crocodile bag in fuchsia sold for an auction record of HK$1.72 million (S$298,840) at Christie's International Plc in Hong Kong.

The iconic 2014 bag with diamond and gold hardware, and named after singer and actress Jane Birkin, had a high estimate of HK$1.5 million. The final price includes the buyer's commission.

The previous auction record for a Hermes bag was US$203,000, while that for any bag at auction was US$218,500 paid in December 2011 at Christie's in New York for a diamond and gold handbag that had belonged to Elizabeth Taylor.

The Porosus Crocodile Birkin bag was offered along another one in black made in 2008 at Christie's Hong Kong five-day auction that includes art, ceramics, jewellery and watches expected to top HK$2.1 billion.

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