Exotique

Explore the city’s antiques shops, with a drink in one hand and a canapé in the other, at Exotique, an exclusive opening of 14 Hong Kong antiques galleries. Organized by the creators of Art Walk, HK and Where Magazines, this evening event is a chance to meet the dealers, learn about the artifacts, and maybe pick up a treasure or two along the way. You’ll find pieces from China, Tibet, Vietnam and Japan as well as European antiques, and meet like-minded folk over a Ming vase or Tang sculpture. With all the variety on offer, Exotique is the finest way to experience the best antiques in town.

The evening begins at 6:30pm with a reception in the enchanting surrounds of Manks (2 Kennedy Terrace, Central, 2522-2115), almost 3,000 square feet of European and Scandinavian antiques dating from 1880 to 1970. Access to the store is usually by appointment only but on October 22, it opens its doors exclusively for Exotique. From here, the town is yours. Armed with an Exotique passport and a map, the guests may make their way to any of the 14 participating stores in and around Hollywood Road, and elsewhere around town. The stores will be closed to the public for the evening so once inside, guests will have the undivided attention of the store owners to learn about their collections and perhaps make an exciting new purchase.

Treasures from China

The participating stores have been selected for their excellent reputations and extensive collections of fine antiques. Many of the dealers are considered experts in their fields. Teresa Coleman of Teresa Coleman Fine Arts (79 Wyndham St., Central, 2526-2450), for example, established her store in 1982 and has since amassed a fine selection of embroidered costumes and textiles from the Chinese court – mostly dating from the Qing Dynasty with some rare Ming, Sung and Tang pieces. The elegant Red Cabinet (Shop 5, G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Center, 1-13 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2536-0123) hosts a tantalizing combination of antique and modern Asian pieces. The store largely deals in antique Elmwood furniture from Shanxi province, but will also create new pieces and furniture sets for their customers. Art Furniture (22 Hollywood Rd., Central) is a delightful place to visit as the 1,000-square-foot store resembles a traditional Chinese folk house. Within its cozy atmosphere, Exotique guests are welcome to explore the large collection of antique furniture and accessories dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

A new addition to the Hollywood Road antique scene is Contes d’Orient (52 Hollywood Rd., 2815-9422), which opened a new 2000-square-foot flagship store in September. Contes d’Orient is one of Hong Kong’s most established antique dealers. Its collection of terracotta, stone pieces and furniture has featured in major international art exhibitions such as the Pacific Arts Show. Similarly, Gallery Oi Ling (85 Hollywood Rd., 2964-0554) specializes in stone carvings and pottery from the Northern and Tang dynasties. Husband-and-wife owners, Phillip Smyth and Oi Ling Chiang will tell guests all about the gallery’s fine earthenware.

For 20 years, Joyce Gallery (123 Hollywood Rd., 2545-1869) has offered collectors antiquities dating back to the Tang dynasty. Bronzes, stone carvings, gold and silverware can all be found within its spacious, two-storey store. The earth-colored walls surrounding the stone sculptures of Artemis (46 Wyndham St., 2530-2208) are reminiscent of an ancient Chinese tomb. Dealer Doris Leung provides certificates of authenticity issued by the Oxford Authentication Laboratory for all pottery items. For a more intimate experience, visit The Antique Box (20 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, 2815-0263). With its cognac-colored walls and opium-poppy carpets, it’s like stepping inside an antique lacquer jewelry box. The store has a wide selection of porcelain, screens and display cabinets ranging from the Han to Qing dynasties.

Tibet

Chu’s Fine Arts & Tibetan Antiques (G1 Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Rd., 2526-7629) is one of the oldest Tibetan art galleries in Hong Kong. It stocks antique carpets, textiles and monastery furniture dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Members of the Chu family are eager to share their passion and knowledge and will happily loan out volumes from their extensive library. The Tibetan Gallery (55 Wyndham St., 2530-4863) is a subsidiary of Teresa Coleman Fine Arts and exhibits antique textiles and bronzes that reflect the influence of Buddhism on the art and culture of Tibet.