Pursuits

Ai Weiwei Sets Record as Phillips Caps $1 Billion Sales

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A group of gold-plated bronze sculptures by Ai Weiwei fetched 2.9 million pounds ($4.5 million) at Phillips in London, an auction record for China’s dissident artist.

“Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” from 2010 depicts 12 signs of the ancient Chinese zodiac, with the animal heads displayed on individual pedestals. Estimated at 2 million pounds to 3 million pounds, the work led Phillips’ contemporary art evening sale on Thursday.