Asian Art in London
Image: A rare Ningxia ‘RKO‘ Rug China, 18th ct. 130 x 67 cm, courtesy of Nagel
Asian Art in London (AAL) takes place this month and includes two overlapping events. Founded in 1998, AAL celebrates London as an international centre for Asian art dealers, auction houses, museums and societies, through a series of gallery selling-exhibitions, auctions, late night openings and lectures. Starting on 22 October, the events will focus on Indian & Islamic Art, featuring a wide selection of new participants. Following on, from 29 October to 7 November, the focus moves to China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. One of the largest sales during AAL, Christies' ‘Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs and Carpets’, takes place on 28 October. It features a rare Cairene prayer rug, one of only fifteen surviving, a richly-coloured Medallion Ushak carpet, synonymous with the weavings produced in the Ottoman empire and a large-scale Bakhtiari carpet with a striking mosaic design displays the impressive commissions under the Persian khans.
Image: A Tibetan woman’s robe, woven from yak hair and decorated with roundels in resist dye, known as thikma. Ladakh, Zanskar or Nubra Valley, 20th century Length: 132 cms. Courtesy of Jacqueline Simcox.
Event manager Claire Toole explains, “Over the years the event has become a fixture, drawing clients from around the world who come to explore and buy from the many and varied works of art on offer – whether at auction or from dealers. In normal years there is a Gala Party at one of the capital’s museums, there are gallery hops and late-night openings. Visitors from all over the world consult our guidebook, make their plans to listen to lectures, explore auctions, visit favourite dealers and attend openings.” Unfortunately, this year the Gala Party has been cancelled, but some galleries are still able to hold evening receptions and extended opening hours.
Image: A blue silk bed cover embroidered with landscape scenes of pavilions, flowering trees, ornaments and pleasure boats. Chinese, Canton c. 1820 230 x 295 cm excluding fringe Provenance: Embroidered for John Reeves in Canton c. 1820. By descent through the family Anthony du Boulay Collection from 2008. Courtesy of Jacqueline Simcox.
Many events are also online this year including a Virtual Gallery and a calendar of Zoom and Instagram talks.
For more information visit www.asianartinlondon.com