Asia Art Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 19 Week of 16 June 2025
(1) Museum-Grade Art Deco Cartier Clocks Arrive at Hong Kong Auction
Several rare Art Deco Cartier clocks, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and cultural influences, will be auctioned at Phillips Hong Kong.
(2) Palace Museum to unveil Hong Kong’s first major Islamic art treasure exhibition
The Hong Kong Palace Museum will host its first major Islamic art exhibition, “Wonders of Imperial Carpets,” showcasing 90 masterpieces.
(3) Spanish artist Joan Cornellà brings satirical art to Hong Kong with Fringe Club exhibition
Joan Cornellà’s Hong Kong exhibition will showcase his satirical illustrations, featuring over 100 original artworks, exclusive prints, figures, and merchandise.
(4) Hong Kong Tourism Board Brings a Taste of The City to Art Basel in Basel
The Hong Kong Tourism Board launches the Hong Kong Bar at Art Basel in Basel 2025, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture through art, design, and culinary experiences.
(1) Museum-Grade Art Deco Cartier Clocks Arrive at Hong Kong Auction
(Photo Credit: Prestige)
Several Art Deco Cartier clocks from a prestigious private collection will be auctioned at Phillips Hong Kong this weekend. These clocks, created between the 1900s and 1940s, exemplify Cartier’s exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design, making them highly sought-after collectibles. Among them is the legendary Portico Mystery Clock No. 3, a masterpiece first exhibited in 1925 that features a diamond-set dragon motif and a unique rock crystal dial.
In addition to the Portico clock, the auction will showcase a unique Mystery Clock that complements a coral sculpture of a Chinese mythological creature, as well as a rare desk clock made from red amber and black enamel, featuring a carved jade dial with symbols of longevity and fortune. Another notable piece is a nephrite lantern clock, originally commissioned as a wedding gift for Princess Fawzia of Egypt, which highlights Cartier’s fusion of Eastern influences with Art Deco style.
The auction will also include a minute-repeating desk clock with Laque Burgauté panels that depict natural scenes, and a historically significant clock from the Belle Époque era, featuring vibrant colours and multiple functions. These extraordinary timepieces not only reflect the artistry of Cartier but also represent a rich blend of cultural influences, making this auction a unique opportunity for collectors.
News Source: https://www.prestigeonline.com/id/style/watches/art-deco-cartier-clocks-of-museum-quality-arrive-at-hong-kong-auction-2025/
(2) Palace Museum to unveil Hong Kong’s first major Islamic art treasure exhibition
(Photo Credit: The Standard Hong Kong)
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) has launched its first major exhibition of Islamic art, featuring 90 exquisite works from three early modern Islamic empires: Safavid Iran, Ottoman Türkiye, and Mughal India. Titled “Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha,” the exhibition will highlight the grand imperial carpets alongside ceramics, metalwork, manuscripts, and jades dating from the 10th to the 19th centuries.
The centrepiece of the exhibition will be 15 stunning carpets made from luxurious materials like silk, pashmina wool, and gold and silver threads. Notable highlights include the Shah Sulayman “Hunting” Carpet, a diplomatic gift to the Venetian Doge, and the impressive 16-meter-long Kevorkian Hyderabad Carpet, woven for Mughal palaces. Other treasures include the Royal Qur’an of Shah Sulayman Safavi and rare folios from Persian literature, as well as an Ottoman inlaid wooden chest.
The exhibition will also explore cultural exchanges between the Islamic world and China, featuring Chinese artworks alongside Islamic pieces. An immersive experience of the Damascus Room and an innovative AR program will enhance visitor engagement, allowing them to create personalised portraits aboard virtual flying carpets.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/304824/Palace-Museum-to-unveil-HKs-first-major-Islamic-art-treasure-exhibition-on-Wed
(3) Spanish artist Joan Cornellà brings satirical art to Hong Kong with Fringe Club exhibition
(Photo Credit: SCMP/ Nora Tam)
Joan Cornellà, known for his bold colours and dark humour, uses his illustrations to satirise society and human behaviour. His work encourages reflection on modern life’s absurdities, inviting viewers to interpret the underlying messages behind his distinctive style.
The upcoming exhibition at The Fringe Club in Hong Kong will feature over 100 original artworks on paper, along with new limited edition prints and figures. Visitors can also explore exclusive merchandise, including a new book and T-shirts. The event is designed to spark dialogue among both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers.
Running from 11 to 27 July 2025, the exhibition will be open daily, with a shorter session on the final day. Admission is HK$50, offering attendees a chance to engage with Cornellà’s unique vision in one of Hong Kong’s key cultural venues.
News Source: https://www.popticket.hk/en/event/joan-cornella-hong-kong-2025#:~:text=Joan%20Cornell%C3%A0%20is%20celebrated%20for,behavior%20through%20a%20satirical%20lens
(4) Hong Kong Tourism Board Brings a Taste of The City to Art Basel in Basel
(Photo Credit: Art Basel in Basel)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launches the Hong Kong Bar at Art Basel in Basel 2025, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and artistic energy. Running from 19‑22 June, the activation is part of a three-year global partnership with Art Basel and marks the first time the HKTB is presenting at the event’s flagship fair. Renowned Hong Kong artist Phoebe Hui will debut a new art installation, Under the Moonlight, within the bar, adding an immersive experience for visitors.
The Hong Kong Bar will highlight the spirit of Old Town Central, offering themed cocktails and designs inspired by the city’s heritage. The concept aims to transport guests to the bustling streets of Hong Kong, featuring sensory details such as the Yuen Yeung Martini and décor influenced by the iconic Central Market. Through this combination of food, drink, and art, HKTB seeks to provide a genuine cultural snapshot of the city.
HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng and Art Basel Hong Kong Director Angelle Siyang-Le both expressed their excitement, noting that the collaboration reinforces Hong Kong’s global reputation as a dynamic cultural centre. The project reflects the city’s balance of tradition and innovation and is designed to foster cultural exchange and international recognition through a creative and engaging platform.
