By Claire Roberts
The 9th edition of Fine Art Asia returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4-7 October, offering a tantalising array of museum-quality art, antiques, Chinese lacquer, porcelain, textiles and some wonderful examples of jewellery design from the 19th century onwards. The art alone - more than 6,500 works worth in excess of HK$2.5 billion - is a huge draw, but the highlight for me is the diverse range of bejewelled creations from some of the world's greatest designers.
Recognised by the international art world as Asia's leading annual fine art fair, iconic pieces by legendary houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels will be displayed alongside one-of-a-kind creations from today's stars of the jewellery world. In one corner you will find an ornate scent bottle clock, around another a late 19th century heron brooch with a pearl beak and wings by Garrard. The calibre of jewels is, as always, exceptional.
Siegelson, the New York gallery that specialises in masterpieces of jewellery design, will be exhibiting for the third year running, offering rare and exceptional jewels from the past and the present. Lee Siegelson, the third-generation president and owner of Siegelson, is a renowned dealer in gemstones and jewellery who picks pieces for their beauty and rarity. If he buys an extraordinary gem, he will design pieces around it, such as the 49.31ct, Mughal-cut golden Golconda diamond, which he set into a simple contemporary mount and named the 'Maharaja Sunset'. A magnificent art deco mystery clock by Maurice Cou¨et for Cartier circa 1920, the hands of which seem to float like magic in a huge, beautifully cut citrine, is sure to be admired by many at Fine Art Asia.
Dealers are travelling from all over the world to showcase their finest jewels in Hong Kong. Exhibitors from London include Susan Ollemans, a specialist in Mughal and antique gold Indian jewellery and antique gold objects from China, who will be displaying an ornate 19th century polki diamond and enamelled bazuband. Also from London is Somlo Antiques, London's leading specialist in antique watches and clocks, and Symbolic & Chase, a dealer of rare and unique objets d'art, jewellery and watches.
A celebration of both traditional and modern art, the Geneva-based high jeweller Bogh-Art is returning for a second year to Fine Art Asia with a selection of spectacular pieces set with rare gemstones in pioneering new materials. Aptly, many of its designs have an Asian influence, including the "Mughal" Colombian emerald and diamond inlaid mother-of-pearl bracelet, created using the age-old technique of inlay. Requiring great precision and skill, each emerald was meticulously cut before being set directly into the mother of pearl.
Speaking of the global appeal of the event, Andy Hei, co-chairman and director of Fine Art Asia, says: "Fine Art Asia 2013 is unique - the only fair in Asia where the link between tradition and modernity, East and West, can be viewed and appreciated under one roof. 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. Fine Art Asia 2013 is the 9th edition of our fair, proving that it provides the perfect platform for local and international galleries to do business in Asia at the highest level."
