HONG KONG, China — A Hermès Birkin crocodile bag in fuchsia sold for HK$1.72 million ($223,000) at Christie's International Plc in Hong Kong, smashing the previous auction record for a handbag.

The iconic 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 Hermès bag was $203,000, while that for any bag at auction was $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 at Christie’s Hong Kong five-day auction that includes art, ceramics, jewellery and watches.

By Frederik Balfour; editors: Andreea Papuc, Russell Ward.