Larasati: A Journey of Passion, Vision, and Commitment to Asian Art

Art has always been more than an object of exchange. It is memory, identity, and cultural continuity. Since its founding in 2000, Larasati has been driven by a singular vision: to elevate the appreciation of Southeast Asian art within an international context while building a trusted platform where artists, collectors, and institutions meet. What began as a bold initiative in Jakarta has grown into a cross-border presence spanning multiple art capitals, guided by consistency, integrity, and a deep respect for artistic heritage.

Larasati's journey began on April 30, 2000, with its first auction held at Aryaduta Hotel Jakarta. Featuring 140 lots, the inaugural sale achieved remarkable success, with 75 percent sold and total results reaching approximately Rp 4 billion against a pre-sale estimate of Rp 2.5 billion. More importantly, the auction marked a turning point for Indonesia’s fine art market.

At a time when the art trade in the region lacked transparency and international structure, Larasati introduced professional auction standards previously unseen in Jakarta. The auction created an open and credible forum for Indonesian art, helping establish fair market values for both established masters and lesser-known artists. Within months, Larasati had gained recognition as one of Indonesia's leading fine art auctioneers.

Later that year, Larasati strengthened its international outlook through a strategic partnership with GLERUM, the Netherlands’ largest independent art and antique auction house. International participation quickly followed. Works such as Hendra Gunawan's Fruit Seller exceeded expectations, while an oil painting by W. G. Hofker achieved Rp 2.6 billion, setting what was widely regarded as a new world record for the artist. The sale concluded with a phenomenal total of Rp 9.2 billion, signaling the arrival of a new force in the regional art market.

The auctions in 2001 demonstrated an important evolution within the Indonesian art scene. Alongside established masters such as Le Mayeur de Merpes and Lee Man Fong, younger Indonesian artists began attracting international attention. Ivan Sagito's Masing-Masing Dengan Bebannya and Dede Eri Supria's Super Clown achieved prices far exceeding estimates, reflecting growing confidence among younger collectors and signaling a generational shift in taste.

By the end of 2001, Larasati's total hammer price reached Rp 20 billion, confirming the strength and resilience of the Indonesian art market.

In 2002, Larasati expanded its offerings through the introduction of the HARMONIE category, presenting masks, textiles, and cultural artifacts alongside fine art. This broadened approach reflected Larasati's belief that art collecting encompasses cultural heritage as much as aesthetic appreciation. Despite regional uncertainty following the Bali tragedy in October 2002, the auctions proceeded and demonstrated the enduring strength of art as a refuge during difficult times. Strong sales continued, with new records achieved for artists such as Sudjana Kerton, while works by emerging artists attracted enthusiastic bidding from collectors.

The year 2003 marked a defining milestone. Larasati entered Singapore, becoming the first Asian-based auction house to successfully operate across national borders. Even amid the SARS outbreak, two auctions exceeded expectations, attracting international collectors and achieving sales above target. Record prices for artists such as Wu Guanzhong and Hendra Gunawan reflected Larasati's growing influence beyond Indonesia.

This period also demonstrated Larasati’s foresight in introducing Chinese contemporary art to the regional market, presenting artists such as Yue Minjun, Zhang Xiaogang, and Fang Lijun before they achieved global recognition. Many of these artists would later become icons of Asian contemporary art, validating Larasati’s early commitment to identifying emerging movements within Asia.

Between 2004 and 2006, Larasati continued to strengthen its reputation in Singapore with consistently strong attendance and increasing international participation. Auctions regularly achieved high sell-through rates, while significant works by Antonio Blanco, Affandi, Willem Gerard Hofker, and other masters achieved record-breaking prices. These years established Larasati not only as a marketplace but also as a trusted curator of museum-quality works.

The auctions during this period reflected Larasati's philosophy: that art should be approached with scholarship, care, and long-term vision rather than short-term speculation.

Over the years, Larasati's activities expanded further, including entry into Hong Kong in 2009 — one of the world's most important auction markets — making it the first auction house from Southeast Asia to operate there. This expansion led to the formation of One East Larasati, an umbrella platform designed to present carefully curated collections of significant Asian artworks to an international audience.

Today, Larasati manages auctions and art activities across Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands. Yet despite its growth, the core philosophy remains unchanged. Larasati continues to treat works of art not merely as commodities, but as cultural expressions deserving of preservation and thoughtful presentation.

From its first sale in Jakarta to its presence across international markets, Larasati has remained loyal to its original mission: promoting traditional and modern Asian art while nurturing deeper appreciation among collectors and audiences alike. Each auction, exhibition, and collaboration reflects a commitment to supporting artists, preserving cultural narratives, and strengthening Asia’s position within the global art landscape.

For Larasati, the journey has never been solely about achieving record prices — though many have been achieved along the way. It has always been about building bridges between generations, cultures, and collectors through art. The story continues, shaped by the same passion that defined its beginnings in 2000 and guided its evolution into the present day.