Asia Art Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 77 Week of 10 August 2026
(1) Christie’s presents rare Yongle lacquer and Qianlong jade in Hong Kong exhibition
Christie’s will stage a special exhibition of approximately 15 rare masterpieces previously shown at the 1935–36 International Exhibition of Chinese Art at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, during Hong Kong Asian Art Week from 22 October to 6 November 2026.
(2) Independent curator Zoie Yung brings ancient Chinese aesthetics into modern Hong Kong
Hong Kong-based independent curator Zoie Yung will present her latest exhibition, The Pleasure-Dome of Hills: A Curated Hallucination of a Modern Literati, at Ora-Ora in Tai Kwun from 27 August, exploring the traditional Chinese concept of shanshui (landscape) through contemporary urban life.
(3) Shinsegae becomes headline partner for Frieze Seoul
South Korea’s Shinsegae Group has been named the headline partner of Frieze Seoul under a five-year agreement running from 2026 to 2030, becoming the first domestic retailer to take the role.
(4) KTO and Galleries Association of Korea Sign MOU for K-Art Exhibition Cooperation, Strengthening Tourism Content
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and the Galleries Association of Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote art tourism by developing and marketing Korean visual art content as tourism products.
(1) Christie’s presents rare Yongle lacquer and Qianlong jade in Hong Kong exhibition
(Photo Credit: Orange News)
The exhibition, organised in collaboration with Daniel Eskenazi and held at Christie’s Asia Pacific Headquarters at The Henderson in Hong Kong, commemorates the landmark 1935–36 London exhibition that first brought Chinese art to global prominence. All works on display were part of that historic presentation and span multiple collecting categories.
Among the highlights is an extremely important Ming Yongle carved red lacquer zhan tuo (cup stand) decorated with confronting phoenixes and lotus, bearing a six-character Yongle mark and later inscribed by the Qianlong Emperor. Formerly in the collection of Sir Percival David, it is regarded as one of the finest surviving imperial carved red lacquer pieces of the period. Only two other identical Yongle-marked examples are known, both held in museum collections.
Another centrepiece is a Qing Qianlong imperial white jade vase with dragon and loose-ring handles and cover. Carved from evenly coloured white jade with dynamic dragons, flaming pearls and the Eight Buddhist Emblems, it exemplifies the highest standard of Qing court jade workmanship. Comparable examples are held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Tianjin Museum.
The accompanying six-volume scholarly work, The 1935 London Exhibition, authored by Regina Krahl and Sarah Wong and published by Daniel Eskenazi, provides comprehensive research on the original exhibition’s scope, cultural significance and participating works. Together, the exhibition and publication offer collectors, scholars and the public a rare opportunity to revisit a pivotal moment in the international recognition of Chinese art.
(2) Independent curator Zoie Yung brings ancient Chinese aesthetics into modern Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Rather than simply hanging artworks on gallery walls, Yung has conceived the show as a modern literati’s studio in which historical objects and contemporary creations coexist. Ming Dynasty huanghuali furniture, Qing Dynasty zitan pieces and Republican-era rosewood furniture are displayed alongside works by living artists, allowing different periods to enter into conversation. The exhibition marks Yung’s first collaboration with the gallery.
The concept is rooted in her interest in reinterpreting Eastern ink art from a contemporary perspective, particularly how traditional ideas of landscape can acquire new meanings in a densely populated city such as Hong Kong. Drawing inspiration from walking routes around Hollywood Road and Victoria Peak, the exhibition examines how people have long sought moments of nature within the urban environment: a relationship that continues today through hiking, walking and exercise.
One clear example is Hong Kong artist Dave Chow Yui Wang’s Constancy. Instead of depicting a mountain with traditional brushwork, Chow creates ink-like marks from the underside of a treadmill belt. The lines record the distances and inclines completed by countless runners, transforming a modern workout into a contemporary interpretation of climbing a mountain.
The exhibition features 13 artists, including Chan Cho Kiu Bunchi, Emily Cheng, Huang Dan, Ashlee Ip, Vann Kwok and Zhang Zhihui, working across painting, installation, sculpture, ceramics and wearable art. Through these works, Yung invites viewers to look beyond conventional images of mountains and rivers and to recognise landscape in the spaces between the city and nature.
(3) Shinsegae becomes headline partner for Frieze Seoul
(Photo Credit: Shinsegae Group)
Shinsegae Group will support the overall operations of Frieze Seoul and operate a dedicated lounge that will be open to all fair visitors during the event. The partnership aims to blend retail expertise with the arts scene and create new opportunities for Korean galleries and artists on the international stage. Frieze Seoul 2026 is scheduled to take place from 2 to 5 September at COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam district, running alongside Kiaf SEOUL.
More than 125 galleries from 30 countries are expected to participate in this year’s edition. The collaboration reflects Shinsegae’s broader strategy of transforming its spaces into lifestyle platforms that go beyond traditional shopping. Chairman Chung Yong-jin emphasised that the partnership would help deliver differentiated customer experiences while supporting the growth of Korea’s art market.
The move builds on Shinsegae’s long-standing involvement in culture and the arts, which began with the opening of Shinsegae Gallery in 1963. More recent initiatives include the development of The Heritage complex and various collaborations that integrate art into retail environments. By taking on the headline partner role, Shinsegae becomes the first Korean retail group to secure this position at the fair.
Officials from both sides described the five-year commitment as a significant step in strengthening Seoul’s position as a key destination on the global art calendar. The dedicated lounge and operational support are expected to enhance the visitor experience and further connect the commercial and cultural sectors.
News Source: https://pulse.mk.co.kr/news/english/12116244
(4) KTO and Galleries Association of Korea Sign MOU for K-Art Exhibition Cooperation, Strengthening Tourism Content
(Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization)
Under the agreement, the two organisations will cooperate on creating and promoting K-art tourism products that showcase Korean contemporary and modern art. The partnership also focuses on activating Kiaf SEOUL as a major attraction for both domestic and international visitors. Additional goals include improving the overall environment for foreign tourists interested in Korean art and strengthening global networks that link culture, art and tourism.
The Galleries Association of Korea, which organises Kiaf SEOUL and represents approximately 170 member galleries nationwide, will contribute its art content, gallery infrastructure and industry expertise. KTO will provide its extensive overseas networks, marketing resources and experience in attracting international travellers. Officials from both sides described the MOU as a move beyond simple cooperation toward generating new value by fusing art with tourism.
The collaboration is expected to support the development of specialised tourism programmes that highlight Korean galleries, artists and art fairs. It also aims to increase visitor numbers during major art events such as Kiaf SEOUL and to raise the international profile of Korea’s visual arts scene. By combining artistic content with tourism promotion, the partners hope to attract more high-value cultural travellers to Korea.
Representatives stated that the agreement marks an important step in positioning Korean art as a distinctive tourism resource. Joint initiatives under the MOU are expected to expand opportunities for galleries and artists while enhancing Korea’s appeal as a destination for art-focused travel.
News Source: https://www.sportschosun.com/en/culture/2026-08-13/202608130100079420004925
