ASIAN ART IN LONDON 2014 HIGHLIGHTS
30 October - 8 November
PRESS RELEASE
“A Feast for the Eyes & Ears”;
Seventeen years after its inception, Asian Art in London retains its unique
position of being the only Art Event in the World to incorporate an entire
City’s art community.
London is home to three of the world’s top ten museums, over 800 art
galleries, four Unesco world heritage sites and a multi-lingual population.
This makes London the ideal backdrop for the Asian Art in London Event,
providing a venue for world-leading specialists to present the finest works,
to view and buy!
The launch of Asian Art in London 2014, is on Thursday 30th October at
the British Museum, where guests have a complimentary view of the current
exhibition; Ming - 50 Years that Changed China. Tickets £60.
The ticket to the Gala Party also includes a chance to win a trip for two to
Bali, courtesy of St Regis luxury hotel Group. The winner will be announced
during the party.
With literally thousands of people flying in from around the world to attend
the private selling exhibitions, auction house sales, lectures and symposia,
during the ten-day Event, London becomes the centre of all things related
to the Arts of Asia. From antiquities to living masters, Asian Art in London
provides a visual feast, spanning more than six thousand years.
Of the sixty participants taking part this year, a thought-provoking
collection of Gandharan sculpture, from the 2nd/3rd century, is to be
seen at Simon Ray Ltd.
Dr Ernst Lomnitz who fled Nazi Germany, found refuge and solace in the art
of India and the beauty of its sculpture. The rich patination on the bases of
the sculpture, was allegedly caused by the servant’s practice of using shoe
polish when cleaning and by rooms continually infused with cigar smoke.
Continuing with the exotic from India, is a collection of work by artist Abdur
Rahman Chugtai on show at the Grosvenor Gallery. A celebrity in his day
(1930’s1940’), Chugtai developed a cult following, with the Queen and an
American President amongst those who collected his work. Prices at the
exhibition range from £3,000-7,000 although past works by Chugtai have
been known to sell for over £40,000.
Francesca Galloway shows Indian treasures amongst which is a jewel-
encrusted royal cap, made in Bombay by Ezra & Sion, in the early 1900’s.
In the Mughal style, this green velvet hat, covered with gold thread, pearls,
rubies and emeralds, is silk lined and enchantingly labelled, “Perfect
ventilation - latest Combination”!
Still on the same continent but dating from a slightly earlier time, 16th to
19th century, are exquisite Indian miniatures on view at Sam Fogg. These
detailed paintings often painted with a single-hair brush, are both a cultural
reference to courtly life and religious beliefs.
For further information and high resolution images, please contact:
Virginia Sykes-Wright T. +44 (0)20 7499 2215 E. virginia@asianartinlondon.com
ASIAN ART IN LONDON 2014 HIGHLIGHTS
30 October - 8 November
PRESS RELEASE
London has many of the world’s renowned dealers in Chinese art, who
participate In Asian Art in London, amongst whom are fourth generation
Marchant & Son, whose exhibition this year, Blanc de Chine, took over ten
years to assemble and numbers over 100 pieces.
Blanc de Chine, which came from Fujian province in Southern China, was
aptly named by the French writers of the time and avidly collected by
Europeans who loved its simplicity. Used in China to depict such religious
deities as Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), white is the colour associated with
mourning in the Far East.
In contrast is Bonhams’ “Pond” Bowl, depicting lotus blossom and leaves
in rich reds and greens. This Ming piece, has an estimate of £400,000-
600,000. The highest price achieved at auction is £9million but for those
wishing to enter the current Chinese porcelain market, £5,000 is a more
realistic starting point. General entry to collecting Asian art can start from as
little as £500, whilst museums and most lectures, for those more interested
in looking to learn, are free.
Also with a long-standing family connection to London’s finest Asian art is
the A&J Speelman Gallery. The Speelman family first opened a gallery
in the West End in the 1900’s. This third generation firm, has an exhibition
including a gilded “Yamantaka”, or ferocious god suppressing evil, in
dramatic gesture.
Eskenazi Ltd, known for the finest Chinese antique art, c.500-1500 will this
year also host a show of Chinese contemporary art by the world famous Li
Huayi, whose work follows the ancient tradition of ink painting, depicting
such auspicious symbols as waterfalls, rocks and bamboo.
To experience the opulence of the Chinese Export market, you need look no
further than Jacqueline Simcox’s exhibition, which includes a rare coverlet,
embroidered with multi-coloured silks, showing Mermaids and fantasy sea
creatures. Produced in China In the early 18th century, for export to Europe, it
retains its original colours.
The combination of libation and literature, can be found at Vanderven
Oriental Art, where a pair of blue & white libation, stem cups, are on
view. Used by the Chinese nobility on special occasions, they form part of
their exhibition at Shapero Rare Books. There will be a book signing (3rd
November 17.00-21.00), with the renowned Rijksmuseum curator, Jan Van
Campen, of his recent publication, “Chinese & Japanese Porcelain for the
Dutch Golden Age”, available at £35.
The famous potteries of Jingdezhen in China provided works, many of which
are now housed in famous museums and collections. The potteries are still
in use and examples will be on show at Sladmore Contemporary, who will
hold an exhibition by artist Roger Law, of Spitting Image fame.
For tiny treasures, exceptional lacquer and generally exquisite curios, the
Japanese craft of Netsuke is an unparalleled art form and can be found at
Max Rutherston Ltd.
For further information and high resolution images, please contact:
Virginia Sykes-Wright T. +44 (0)20 7499 2215 E. virginia@asianartinlondon.com
ASIAN ART IN LONDON 2014 HIGHLIGHTS
30 October - 8 November
PRESS RELEASE
Netsuke were the toggles, adopted by the Japanese c.1600, due to their
love of carrying useful things from the belts of their kimonos. Mainly for use
by men, Netsuke were used by all classes of Japanese society.
As the contemporary market continues to thrive, so new Members join AAL,
bringing contemporary art from India, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and South
East Asia.
Joost van Den Bergh, with “Tantric Drawings”, One East Asia, “Breaking
& Reconstructing the circle”, are only a sample of the diversity of
contemporary art on view.
In a City that provides such important works and expertise, there are also
vital ancillary services such as restorers, shippers, insurance & currency
brokers, together with leading hotel groups such as the St Regis group and
the Mandarin Oriental. Asian Art in London is pleased to be associated with
all of them.
Asian Art in London 2014 confirms that London remains the place to do
business in the arts of Asia.
For details of all forthcoming talks & lectures please visit our
website asianartinlondon.com AAL 2015: 5 – 14 November.
For further information and high resolution images, please contact:
Virginia Sykes-Wright T. +44 (0)20 7499 2215 E. virginia@asianartinlondon.com