German auction houses report strong first half of 2026 focusing on top quality (faz.net)

• Ketterer leads with €37.5M turnover; Kandinsky sells for €5.5M
• Grisebach achieves €4.98M for Kolbe fountain, artist record
• Strong demand for top-tier works but many lots passed
• Lempertz doubles Asian art expectations to €2.6M

"German auction houses posted a successful first half of 2026, with Ketterer leading at €37.5 million total sales. The top lot was a Wassily Kandinsky painting that fetched €5.5 million (with buyer's premium). Other highlights include a George Kolbe sculpture at Grisebach for €4.98 million and a Joan Miró at Karl & Faber for €2.4 million. Despite strong results for premium works, many lots remained unsold, indicating a selective market."