Antiques fair in Hong Kong going strong even after decade

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille-Rose Tea Bowl and Saucer.

Tea experts from Japan and China's Hong Kong and Taiwan will demonstrate tea rituals at the fair, showing the tea culture of 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 of French exhibitors, who will bring classic European furniture, paintings and marble sculptures.

Chak says he wanted to introduce an antique fair of European styles in Hong Kong, which has been dominated by auctions and contemporary art fairs.

"I first attended antique fairs in London at age 17. The relaxing atmosphere impressed me," says Chak, now 59. "People were there not to bargain for goods but to appreciate others' collections and exchange views."

Not only did Chak want to recreate that kind of fair and atmosphere in Hong Kong. He also felt that the art market began to boom on the mainland around 2000, and "Hong Kong could be a gateway for mainland collectors to acquire collecting experience and to reach the international market".