Treasures Past from the
With a decade of experience behind it, the International Antiques Fair promises to deliver a trove of precious pieces that will captivate even the most discerning of collectors
The International Antiques Fair, the biggest antiques show in Asia, returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 26 to 30 for its 10th edition. Founded by Asian art and antiques experts William and Priscilla Chak, the Hong Kong showcase has grown to feature more than 70 dealers. Last year for the first time, prestigious French and Western dealers, including Vallois, Galerie Bernard Dulon and Galerie De Jonckheere, joined the Chinese and Asian mainstays of the fair, and will do so again this year. Christian Deydier, the former president of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires and the Biennale des Antiquaires in France, continues to work closely with the organisers. All entries are subject to a strict vetting process by a committee of experts to ensure only antiques of the highest quality are admitted to the show.
The fair will feature a range of special events, including an exhibition by the World Chinese Collectors Association; special exhibitions of Chinese paintings and Japanese lacquer; the opportunity for visitors to have their own antiques appraised; plus a collection of lectures, guided tours and tea ceremonies.
One of the many outstanding works on display will be the ink painting Flowers, Fruits & Fish (1926) by the Shanghai school artist Wang Zhen, also known as Wang Yiting. A noted calligrapher and painter of natural and religious subjects, Wang was influenced by Western art, as can be seen on this hanging paper scroll, which skilfully integrates the still life into traditional ink painting.
Another notable piece, an archaic bronze bell of the Eastern Zhou dynasty dating from the fifth century BC, will be presented by Galerie Christian Deydier of Paris. London dealer Santos has an equally worthy offering, a Chinese porcelain Famillerose tea bowl and saucer made for export during the Yongzheng period of the early 18th century.