Celebrating its 20th birthday in the British Museum’s refurbished Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery on November 9, the board of Asian Art in London was clearly proud of its achievements in promoting the city’s Asian art credentials, Noelle McElhatton writes.
With at least one Chinese Embassy cultural official present at the sell-out event, AAIL chairman Roger Keverne reminded guests that the UK is “blessed” with a wealth of objects and connoisseurship. The gala’s venue proved this point, with its treasure trove of priceless Asian delights. Guests salivated in particular over what one dealer dubbed “the £500m cabinet” full of Ming blue and white.
Meanwhile, AAIL repeated its message that great objects can still be acquired and that London is the place to do so. Awards for the best art from AAIL 2017 were presented by sponsors including ATG, to Bonhams Bond Street, Priestley & Ferraro and Chiswick Auctions.