Antiques fair in Hong Kong going strong even after decade

The International Antiques Fair is an annual showcase of Asian and European art in Hong Kong. Photos provided to China Daily

How will the antiques market perform this year? What kinds of items will become popular among collectors? And, will vintage 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 Centre over 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 chart.

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 royal court. The objects were loaned from collectors.

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