Asia Week New York 2014 - March 14 - March 22 2014

Today marks the 1st day of Asia Week New York 2014, which runs through March 22nd.  The event is open and free to the public.  The exhibits reveals the rarest and finest Asian examples of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculpture, bronzes, prints, photographs and jades, representing artistry, ingenuity and imagination from every corner and time period of Asia. 

The exhibitors include a top-tier roster of 47 international Asian art specialists-the largest number to date- and five major auction houses as well as 19 world-renowned museums and Asian cultural institutions.  Visit www.asiaweeknewyork.com for more information.

I had a chance to join the press preview for Asia Week this past Wednesday. It was a full day affair, where we flew through 30 galleries in less 10 hours.  I had an unforgettable time viewing some spectacular pieces with fascinating stories.  The galleries did an excellent job of explaining their finest pieces.  It was certainly a feast for the eyes, mind, and soul.  Here are some highlights.  

 This year, Scholten Japanese Art Gallery's exhibit is titled "Erotic Art of Japan: Everybody's Doing It".

Asia Week March 16- March 24

Asia Week is happening this week and ends March 24th.  With exhibitions presented by more than 30 prominent Asian art dealers from the U.S. and abroad, auctions at, Bonhams, Christie’s, Doyle New York, iGavel, and Sotheby’s as well as dozens of special events are planned for this period, this is not something you want to miss!

Asia Week Press Walk

In anticipation of Asia Week 2011 which is from March 18 - March 26, a Press walk and Preview event was held at the Ralph M.Chait Galleries.  Carlton Rochell, chairman of Asia Week New York 2011  made opening remarks, estimating that $100 million worth of Asian Art would be on the market for Asia Week and as many as 10,000 to 20,000 objects of art would be on display.  Vice President of Ralph M. Chait Galleries, Steve Chait spoke about the history of Asia Week and the Galleries' background and also gave us a tour of their spring exhibition. 

Asia Week is an unprecedented collaboration of more than 30 prominent Asian art specialists, 5 auction houses and 17 museums and Asian cultural institutions.  There are thirty-four extraordinary Asian art exhibitions to be simultaneously on view in celebration of Asia Week 2011.   Participating dealers include Bonham's, Christie's, Sotheby's, Doyle New York and iGavel.  We were provided with a compact 88 page guide detailing the Calendar of Events and different dealers with corresponding area of specialization, featuring a broad spectrum of expertise including Contemporary Chinese, Chinese, Indian, Himalayan, Southeast Asian, Japanese, Contemporary Japanese, Korean, and contemporary Korean art.

Carlton Rochell, chairman of Asia Week New York 2011

Steven Chait, Vice President, Ralph M. Chait Galleries

The Ralph M. Chait Galleries have a history of over 100 years in New York City, and is one of the oldest galleries to specialize in fine antique Chinese porcelain.  Some of the pieces that stood out included a rare large blue and white porcelain plate which had been off the market for 60 years and charming and lively stucco figure of a seated Lohan.  It was truly special exhibit with many vibrant pieces.  Only a few blocks away are visit-worthy exhibits at MD Flacks showing a variety of Chinese Scholar's trays and Dalton Somaré displaying early artwork from the Indian Subcontinent.

Rare Large Blue and White Porcelain Plate (Shunzi/early Kangxi period, mid 17th century), Ralph M. Chait Galleries

Large Stucco Figure of a Seated Lohan (Yuan/Ming dynasty, ca: 14th/15th century), Ralph M. Chait Galleries

Allan S. Chait, Head of Firm, and Son of Ralph M. Chait

Rare Large Cast Iron Fgure of Manjsuri Riding upon a Lion,  (1344), Ralph M. Chait Galleries

MD Flacks Exhibit - Scholar Trays

MD Flacks Exhibit - Scholar Trays

MD Flacks Exhibit - Scholar Trays

Dalton Somaré Exhibit

Dalton Somaré Exhibit

There are dozens of special events planned for the week.  On Tuesday, March 22, Japan Society will host a lecture and private reception in celebration of Bye Bye Kitty!!!,  a group show featuring  contemporary young Japanese artists, most of whom are based in Japan and little-known in the United States.  Visit www.AsiaWeekNY.com for more information.

International Beauty Show

I stopped the International Beauty Show at the Javits Center and caught the last hour before the expo ended.  The expo was huge and I definitely would love to attend again next year.  There were so many interesting products and services to learn about and try out.  I had a chance to stop by Bling Strands and I had 2 feather extensions put into my hair and loved it!  I paid $5 per feather and they also put in 2 complimentary glitter strands.  I was told that the feather extensions should last 1 - 3 months.

My extensions

Glitter tattoo

Lash Extensions

Lots and lots of makeup to try!