AUA Oriental Art

In the relentless chase for ever-shifting trends, a sense of emptiness often emerges. While antiques are sometimes perceived as outdated, they offer a grounding stability. For those seeking refuge from the overwhelming flood of modern imagery, antiques serve as a return to the roots of ideas and creativity.

Originating from the Oriental Art Museum in South Korea, AUA Oriental Art has been dedicated to Asian art since the late 1990s, beginning with its first collection acquired in Hong Kong. Our focus lies in two primary categories of Asian antiques.

The first is our collection of Asian underwater ceramics—pieces recovered from shipwrecks and seabeds, dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries. These ceramics, primarily originating from China, were exported to Europe during the height of the maritime trade. Documented and preserved, they often make their way to prestigious auctions like Sotheby's and Christie's. Today, institutions such as the British Museum, the V&A Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcase similar artifacts, highlighting their significance in global cultural heritage.

The second collection features ancient ceramics curated in Hong Kong between the late 1990s and early 2000s. These pieces capture the sophistication and timeless elegance of Asian ceramic artistry. The collection predominantly includes works from the Jin, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties, each representing the aesthetic grace of classical East Asian art. The intricate designs and refined craftsmanship invite admiration for the enduring beauty of this cultural heritage.

Over more than two decades, these collections have been meticulously curated through a rigorous selection process guided by the insights of leading experts. Each piece carries a unique provenance and reveals graceful aging through the patina of time, backed by a scientific approach to authentication. The delicate details of these artworks allow you to confidently recognize their value, reflecting the expertise and dedication behind their preservation and curation.

* The Asian Works of Art from the AUA Oriental Art Gallery