The best chance to see and learn about Asian art this side of Beijing
Free exhibitions and lectures and a useful app are part of this year’s Asian Art in London event. Seventeen years after its inception it returns again with a multitude of exhibitions, auction house sales, lectures and symposia, making London the centre of all things related to the Arts of Asia. From antiquities to living masters, the work on show spans more than six thousand years.
Of the sixty participants taking part this year, a 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 a servant’s practice of using shoe polish when cleaning and by rooms continually infused with cigar smoke.
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 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.
Marchant & Son’s exhibition of 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.
With sixty participants, museum shows and lectures there is much to see and learn. But hurry! Asian Art in London is only on until the 8th November.
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