Antiques and Auctions
Hong Kong’s unique position in the antiques world makes it the perfect place to begin, or add to, a collection of your own, suggests Jayne Kennedy.
Hong Kong’s description as the ‘gateway to China’ is never more accurate than when related to the antique market. There is a wealth of reputable antiques dealers on Hollywood road-as well as some not so reputable ones- with some antiques in their collections as old as 5,000 years, sourced directly from China. As Bonnie Groot, owner of one of Hollywood Road’s biggest and most distinguished antique stores, Arch Angel Antiques says: “Hong Kong is a vibrant antique community where the dealers and collectors of the world come to find Chinese antiquities. The resources are immense.”
Not surprisingly, Christie’s, the famous British auction house, is capitalizing on Hong Kong’s unique position and their annual Imperial sale will take place from May 29-31 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center to auction fine classical Chinese paintings and calligraphy, ceramics and jade carvings. There is a preview exhibition from 27-29 May and with buyers coming from around the world, the popularity of Chinese art has never been greater.
What’s the Budget?
You do not have to pay a fortune to buy in Hong Kong, as there are pieces to fit different budgets. However, don’t be lulled into thinking you might unearth a hidden gem lurking in the bottom of a bargain bin in Cat Street’s knick knack shops. you get what you pay for, as Theresa Coleman of Theresa Coleman Fine Arts says: “If it’s fake that is priced like a fake then that makes sense, but in general the good pieces go to the good dealers.” You can own agenuine piece of history as long as you choose the right dealer, and are realistic about what you can afford.
