Fine Art Asia 2014, Asia’s leading international fine art fair, celebrates its 10th edition from 4-7 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, (Private Preview Friday, 3 October).

Fine Art Asia 2014 will present its strongest-ever collection of museum-quality fine art from both the East and West. Creating a high-quality platform for the international art world, the 8,000-square-metre exhibition space provides a showcase for over 100 world-renowned galleries displaying more than 6,500 stunning works of art, worth a total of over HK$2.8 billion.

Key artworks include an archaic bronze 10th-11th century figure of Avalokitèshvara Padmapani from Western Tibet, exhibited by Rossi & Rossi, London/Hong Kong (HK$27,300,000); a highly important agate collection from Iran, 1st millennium BC, presented by David Aaron Ancient Art, London (over US$100,000); an archaic bronze vessel with four animal masks shown by Joyce Gallery, Hong Kong; and a rare 18th century volume on China exhibited by Shapero Rare Books, London. Douwes Fine Art, Amsterdam, will bring Rembrandt etchings, while MacConnal-Mason Gallery, London present “Scene de Plage” by Eugène-Louis Boudin and Gladwell & Patterson show “Portrait d bébé (Lucien Daudet)” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Outstanding silver pieces include The Buckingham Vase dating from 1811 exhibited by Koopman Rare Art, London. A magnificent late 19th century Burmese sapphire brooch given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton, will be shown by Dehres, Hong Kong (HK$39,000,000). “28.8.96”by Zao Wou-ki will be displayed by Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery, Hong Kong (HK$13,000,000); while Alisan Fine Arts, Hong Kong will present “Six Auspicious Cranes” by Yu Hui (b. 1960) (HK$2,000,000).

Fine Art Asia 2014 is staged at the peak of the October art season in Hong Kong and coincides with Sotheby’s auctions in the same venue. A sophisticated audience of over 35,000 visitors is expected to attend, including major dealers, collectors, curators and connoisseurs from throughout  Asia as well as from all over the world.

A unique array of fine art

On display at the fair will be Asian and Western antiques including ancient Chinese bronzes, rare Himalayan, Central Asian and Islamic art, Chinese ceramics, lacquer wares, snuff bottles and scholars’ objects, furniture, textiles and jades; as well as European decorative arts from the 19th to 21st century. Visitors can discover the finest antique silver from both East and West, and iconic jewellery by the world’s greatest designers including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari. Old Master paintings, Impressionist and Modern art should not be missed, with works by Rembrandt, Renoir, Matisse, Rodin, Picasso, Miró, Moore and Andy Warhol on view. The contemporary art section will highlight paintings by Zao Wou-ki and acclaimed international artists, as well as exceptional Chinese ink paintings.

Andy Hei, Co-Chairman and Director of Fine Art Asia said, “We are proud to celebrate our 10th edition with our strongest-ever collection of antiques and fine art from both East and West. Once again this year we are delighted to welcome leading international galleries from all over the world. Hong Kong is the centre of the art market in Asia and has established a key role in the global art market.”

Calvin Hui, Co-chairman and Director of Fine Art Asia said, “Ever since its inception, Fine Art Asia has played a crucial role in creating a platform of excellence for the international art world in Hong Kong. The fair brings the finest pieces to Asian collectors, as well as introducing new collecting categories, thus expanding the fine art market in Asia.”

Fair programmes

Cognac and Art through the Ages

Fine Art Asia 2014 sponsor Martell is one of the oldest cognac houses in the world, founded in 1715. The fair will feature a special art project, “Cognac and Art through the Ages” which will trace the development of Martell Cognac alongside precious works of art by iconic masters over the past 300 years.

In addition, the exquisite Tricentenaire edition Martell bottle, designed by world-renowned contemporary French artist Bernar Venet, will be unveiled for the first time to guests and the media at Fine Art Asia 2014.

Chinese Imperial Treasures

Since its inception in 2006, Fine Art Asia has presented outstanding museum-quality antiques displayed by world-renowned galleries, each a specialist in its field. To celebrate the 10th edition of the fair in 2014, a special exhibition of exquisite antiques will be shown, epitomizing the most important periods in Chinese history.

Throughout the centuries, the finest Chinese artworks were made for the Emperor, often in the Imperial Palace Workshops in Beijing. Included in the exhibition will be examples of classical Chinese furniture from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644); Chinese porcelain from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Ming Dynasty, and the Kangxi (1662-1722) and Qianlong periods (1736-1795) of the Qing Dynasty; as well as rare Ming and Qing Dynasty lacquer wares, bronzes and enamel pieces.

Academic Programme

An Academic Programme of lectures and seminars by leading art experts from Hong Kong and overseas will be held during the fair. Highlights will include lectures by the leading dealer specializing in Himalayan and Chinese works of art, Mr. Fabio Rossi; art historian, consultant and curator, Ms. Catherine Maudsley; and Mr. Wylie Chan, Academic Head of the Hong Kong Art School.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Arts Centre and Hong Kong Art School, the fair’s Education Partner for the 3rd consecutive year, will host a series of lectures and workshops at the fair. The Ink Society will also host ink painting demonstrations at their booth.

Fair sponsors

Fine Art Asia 2014 is sponsored for the eighth year in succession by Chong Hing Bank.

World-famous French fine cognac house, Martell will once again sponsor an exclusive VIP lounge at Fine Art Asia 2014.  In addition, in celebration of its 300th birthday, Martell will co-present an exquisite showcase to feature the most precious artworks of the past 300 years (see above).