HOW will the antiques market perform this year? What kinds of items will become popular among collectors? And, will vintage items attract young people?

The answers to such questions can be found at the 10th International Antiques Fair, which will return to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center on May 27-30.

At the annual fair there will be some 70 exhibitors, mainly from Asia and Europe, showing largely Asian paintings, ceramics, Buddhist art and European decorative pieces.

Every year the fair holds a themed exhibition. Objects that center around the rooster will be the focus as this year marks the Year of Rooster on the traditional Chinese zodiac calendar.

The pronunciation of rooster in Mandarin, ji, is similar to that of the character meaning “lucky.” Therefore, roosters recur as a subject in many antiques as a best wish.

Last year, the exhibition showed ceramics produced under the guidance of Tang Ying, a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) artist who served at the royal court. The objects were loaned from collectors.

The fair will see lectures on porcelain, jade wares and collecting.

Tea experts from Japan and China’s Hong Kong and Taiwan will demonstrate tea rituals at the fair, showing the tea culture of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and its influence on Japanese tea culture.

Antiques collector and dealer William Chak and his wife, Priscilla Lau, launched the International Antiques Fair in 2008. It was at first dedicated to Asian art, and last year, introduced European antiques to cater to an increasing interest from Asian buyers.

The coming fair will see an increase in French exhibitors, who will bring classic European furniture, paintings and marble sculptures.

(China Daily)