Quality Time
The ninth International Antiques Fair hosts more than 70 dealers and specialists
Exhibitors from more than 15 countries and territories will take part in the International Antiques Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 28 to 31. Now in its ninth edition, the fair is expanding and is open to all specialities in the antiques field, with more than 70 dealers and experts exhibiting a range of collectibles, from sculptures to furniture. The theme of the four-day event is “Quality and Excellence in Western and Oriental Antiques.”
Founded by Hong Kong-based Asian arts and antiques experts William and Priscilla Chak, and managed by their son Ronald, the fair has established a reputation as the most important antiques show in Asia. This year, it will be displaying items from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Nepal, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, France, the UK, Canada and the US.
Prestigious French and other foreign antiques dealers will include Vallois, Chadelaud, Jacques Barrère, Perrin Antiquaires and Jeanclaude Vrain. Several dealers have decided to join forces and present a selection of objects from their galleries. For example, “Les Pavillons” will showcase works from Pascal Lansberg and Galerie Mermoz, among others.
A strict vetting committee comprising renowned international professionals will be working with exhibitors to ensure the best selection of art and antiques for collectors and amateurs alike. Christian Deydier, former president of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires and the Biennale des Antiquaires, will be adding his expertise. As a researcher and scholar, as well as a dealer, Deydier owes his renown in scholarly circles to his work on Chinese bronzes and goldware.
In addition, the fair will provide lectures to encourage new buyers to learn more about Chinese and Western cultures, which will also serve to provide interesting background knowledge to the collection of antiques.
Pieces on show at the fair will include an 18thcentury soapstone figure of Tang Ying, one of the first imperial administrators at the court of China; a beautiful marquetry desk with a drawing inspired by the work of Jean Bérain the Elder, from Galerie Perrin Antiquaires; a Mathurin Moreau white marble statue of young couple Paul and Virginie, heroes of a book written in 1787 by Jacques-henri Bernardin de Saintpierre, from Galerie Chadelaud; and a and blue glazed earthenware statue of a Tang dynasty court lady, from Galerie Christian Deydier.
The fair, which has been selected as an associated project of Le French May, will also hold an inaugural charity event in support of non-profit organisations.