Meet the Japanese Masters at Atelier Courbet on May 17th, 12-5pm

Eykyn Maclean Presents First U.S. Exhibition of Renowned Artist Kan Yasuda, May 6 – June 27 2014

Eykyn Maclean will present the first ever exhibition in the United States of internationally renowned sculptor Kan Yasuda. The exhibition, open to the public 6 May – 27 June at 23 East 67th Street, will feature over twenty of the artist’s new sculptures. Gallery partner Christopher Eykyn says, “Having followed Kan’s career in Europe and Japan, we are delighted to have the opportunity of introducing his work to an American audience. Working together with Kan, we have selected a group of works that best represent this important artist at the height of his career. I know that Kan’s sculpture will resonate as powerfully here as it does in the rest of the world.”

Born in Japan in 1945, Yasuda has divided his time between Hokkaido, Japan and Pietrasanta, Italy for over forty years, and his work deftly merges the cultural traditions of East and West. 

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".

Style.Uz Art Week: The Last Samurai: Mysterious Japan

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.