Inside Hong Kong’s Art Futures Group

As world leaders in Chinese contemporary art for investment, Art Futures Group offers international investors a chance to diversify their portfolio and gain a foothold into this lucrative market.

We talked to Jeremy Kasler, founder and CEO of Art Futures Group to learn more about art investment.

As an entrepreneur from a very early age, what are your earliest memories and experiences and who inspired your career path?

My earliest memory as an entrepreneur is selling Christmas wrapping paper on the street corner in the UK. During my teenage years, I did this every Christmas to ensure I had money to buy presents and generally enjoy the things that teenagers do. If it rained, we sold umbrellas. This was my first lesson in adapting to meet different market conditions.

My inspiration was my grandfather, the hardest working man I have ever met. He worked for himself his entire life and was very committed to his business. A man of great morals, he was hugely respected by those that knew him and was a great inspiration to me as an entrepreneur.

Before Art Futures Group (AFG), you were in the property and investment sector. What inspired you to move into the art industry?

I wandered into a gallery in Singapore and was appalled by the lack of transparency when I was told that the piece of art I was looking at was a good investment “because it will go up in value”. In that moment, I decided it was time to create a company to bring fair pricing and transparency to this market.

How is AFG bringing art investment from the high-cost playing field of the elite to middle class working professionals and Gen Y investors?

Before we opened in Hong Kong, the only way to get art investment advice was to commit US$2,000,000 to the market and in return, HSBC would allocate you an advisor. With no one to help the average man, we decided to offer a service to help the mid-range clientele invest in artworks in the HK$200,000 – $800,000 category.

How do you help your clients gain a profit through your end-to-end investment service?

First, we identify artists that we believe have investment potential and then help to secure selected pieces on our client’s behalf. During this process, we perform a substantial amount of due diligence to find the art pieces with the best prospects for capital growth including monitoring the market to give buy and sell recommendations, just as a stockbroker would. Finally, we provide certificates of provenance to show the artwork was purchased directly from the artist. This is significant when putting the artwork to auction or for sale.

Jeremy Kasler, founder and CEO of Art Futures Group

AFG also provides rental services of the purchased piece. How can this maximise a client’s potential profit?

We have a leasing department that in many cases allows us to rent the client’s artwork to third parties. This creates a residual income over and above the capital growth and is paid quarterly to the client just like a dividend.

What advice would you give to art enthusiasts who may be looking to invest in this lucrative market?

Buy original artworks, not prints. Try and find a certain sector you enjoy, for example Chinese contemporary art, and concentrate on that. Always establish a good provenance as there are many copies out there. Finally, buy the best you can afford.

For more information please visit, www.artfuturesgroup.com or call (852) 3758 7888

Lights, Camera, Auction: How much would you like a Leica?

Leica, the renowned German camera manufacturer, has an admirable reputation when it comes to shattering world records. At the recently concluded 32nd WestLicht camera auction in Vienna, for instance, a 1923 Leica 0-series no. 122 became the most expensive camera ever sold at auction, after being bought by an Asia-based private collector for a staggering US$2.95 million.

Perhaps predictably, the previous world record was also held by a Leica 0-series camera, one that sold for $1.5million in 2011 and was then resold for $2.6 million in 2012. With just 31 of this particular model ever made, it is understandably viewed as something of a Holy Grail among photography enthusiasts.

What makes it even more sought-after is the fact that each handcrafted model is considered to be among the most successful compact camera prototypes ever made. They also featured the first practical application of the 35mm film recorder, an innovation that subsequently became the global standard. It’s hard to imagine today’s range of mass-market smartphones, no matter how highly-specced their inbuilt cameras, ever attracting such a boundary breaking bid.

Patek Philippe exhibits a collection of 50 rare handcrafted timepieces

Following its premier at Baselworld 2018, Patek Philippe showcased its entire collection of the 2018 rare handcrafted timepieces at the Salons on Rue du Rhône, Geneva, in April .

Highlighting fifty exceptional creations including dome table clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches (some with minute repeaters), the 2018 collection pays tribute to a suite of rare handcrafts manifested by an extensive range of creations and inspired from a variety of sources.

Engraving, for example, is the most distinguished craft in the service of watchmaking. For example, “The Galleon” pocket watch with back in low-relief hand engraving where the epic conquest of the oceans, so intimately linked to the rise of horology, comes to life on the engraved back of this unique piece in white gold

Patek Philippe exhibits a collection of 50 rare handcrafts timepieces — “The Galleon” pocket watch with back in low-relief hand-engraving

Among the Grand Feu enameling techniques, cloisonné enamel – with its colour cells enclosed by thin gold wires – enjoys prominence on many dome table clocks. This applies to the “Cubist Fantasy” model, for example, with its cubistic color ornaments, and to other unique pieces with themes ranging from nature to the fine arts.

Allowing its creativity to roam free, the Genevan manufacturer presents several ‘mixed-technique’ pieces that combine a variety of artisanal skills. One example is the “Italian Scenes” which boasts cloisonné enamel dials on manually guilloched backgrounds.

Patek Philippe exhibits rare handcrafts 2018 — “Italian Scenes” Ponte Vecchio wristwatch adorned with delicate hand-guilloched patterns

The Genevan brand is also committed to further evolving such skills and broadening the portfolio by refining new crafts such as wood micromarquetry or combining several techniques to create breathtaking works of art.

The 2018 exhibition also showcased two new models from the current Patek Philippe collection including the limited-edition Golden Ellipse, commemorating the 50^th anniversary of this iconic watch and the new Ref 5532 World Time Minute Repeater that always strikes local time. The center of its dial is adorned with a cloisonné enamel depiction of the Lavaux wine-growing region overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva.

Much like every year, the 2018 masterpieces are the result of an intensive involvement with tradition and innovation and are presented by Patek Philippe with a rich palette of one-of-a-kind treasures and limited editions that meld sublime craftsmanship with the ultimate in creativity and aesthetics.

For more information visit, www.patek.com

Scroll Survivor: Lost Chinese handscroll from Qing era attracts mountain bids

A little bit of history resurfaced at Sotheby’s Hong Kong outpost recently when a lost Chinese handscroll from the time of the Qing dynasty, thought to have been lost for nearly a century, came up for auction.

Known as Ten Auspicious Landscapes of Taishan, the rediscovered masterpiece is said to be the work of Qian Weicheng, one of the most renowned artists of the court of Emperor Qianlong.

Measuring 458cm x 33.7cm, the scroll is divided into ten sections, each depicting an aspect of Mount Tiantai, one of the sacred peaks of the Zhejiang province. Depicting peaks, valleys, streams, waterfalls, woods and historic sites at the same time, the scroll is said to mark the highpoint of Qian’s artistic career and was probably created during his time as the Education Commissioner of Zhejiang between 1763 and 1765.

Adding to the historic value of the Chinese handscroll, it also includes ten poems said to be inscribed by Emperor Qianlong himself. It was no wonder, then, that the sale attracted more than 100 bids, finally going for a truly impressive HK$146,794,000 (US$18,704,491).

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Boney China: Napoleon’s dessert set serves up a slice of history

Once one of the few household items the exiled Napoleon was permitted to carry with him to Elba, the island that was briefly his home following his forced abdication, this Marly Rouge dessert set was an unwitting witness to many of the most turbulent events in European history. Unsurprisingly, then, it proved the star turn at the recent auction of the Rockefeller Collection by Christie’s New York.

Originally commissioned by Napoleon for his Palace in northern France, this exquisite dessertware was ultimately delivered to Fontainebleau Palace, just outside Paris, in October 1809, at a time when Napoleon was negotiating the grueling nitty-gritty of the Treaty of Vienna that led to the end of hostilities between Austria and France.

It is also during this time that Napoleon announced his divorce to Empress Josephine for being unable to bear him an heir. Despite or maybe due to its association with Josephine, the Service Marly Rouge found its way into Napoleon’s household in exile at Elba five years later.

Today, only one gilt-dolphin-footed compote and six plates from the original 256-piece set remain at Fontainebleau, with the rest divided among a number of international collectors. As a result, this 22-piece selection – acquired by Abby Rockefeller – provides the best glimpse of the true glory of the collection when it was first set before an emperor.

French Maze at Opera Gallery: A selection of artworks from French masters

French Maze, Opera Gallery — Marc Chagall, Les amoureux le soir, 70×55,4cm, watercolour, pastel and pencil on paper laid on board, 1949

For the first time ever in Hong Kong, works of 10 French artists made between 1949 and 2017 will be showcased under one roof, courtesy of Opera Gallery, Hong Kong. Always a pioneer in Hong Kong’s art scenario, Opera Gallery proudly presents French Maze, a selection of 27 artworks from French masters, ranging from the Post War period to contemporary times. Running from 17 May to 30 June 2018, the exhibition offers art connoisseurs a chance to turn the pages of art history, where French art plays a pivotal role in shaping European and world art scenes.

Figurative and abstract, these compositions form a collection of highly personal memories and ideas, interweaving the artists’ reflections and their artistic paths. Exploring different styles and mediums in the French art scene, French Maze will showcase works by Marc Chagall, Bernard Buffet, Jean Dubuffet and Mathieu Georges to the contemporary Andre Brasilier, Pierre Soulages, Chu The-Chun and Robert Combas, Andre’ Lanskoy and Haudressy Pascal.

Exhibition Highlights

French Maze at Opera Gallery — Brasilier Escale sous la neige à Loupeigne, 2017

Andre Brasilier’s work is typified by a breezy lyricism, wherein real-life subjects are transposed into dreamlike settings. Brasilier’s images portray a peaceful world, with delicate composition and colour harmonies bathed in soft, cool light.

Marc Chagall’s world is dreamlike as well, with flying lovers, musicians, circus figures, flowers and animals – all intense personal symbols that combine in a complex tapestry of multiple narratives.

Jean Dubuffet – known for his idealistic approach to aesthetics – embraced the so-called ‘low art’ and eschewed traditional standards of beauty in favour of what he believed was a more authentic and humanistic approach to image-making.

To find out more about Opera Gallery, visit www.operagallery.com or click here to read our interview with Director, Sharlanee Foo.

Exhibition dates: 17 May – 30 June, 2018

Opera Gallery, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday and Pubic Holidays: 12:00 am – 6:00 pm

Golden Touch: Gold Infinity unveils unique gold-plated iPhone X

Luxury brand Gold Infinity is teaming up with local celeb Mr. M and, thanks to the sponsorship of German auto maker Audi’s R8 V10 super car, is shining the spotlight on a dazzling, one-of-a-kind 24k gold iPhone X.

This particular iPhone X was plated entirely with a luxurious 3-micron-thick layer of 24k yellow gold, and boasts a gloriously shimmering finish thanks to Gold Infinity’s precision handcraftsmanship.

For the uninitiated, Gold Infinity is the go-to specialist when it comes to customised gold-plating services. From phones and watches to a whole host of other luxury accessories, its unique products are a benchmark of quality and style.

To get more information or to place an order for your own unique gold-plated accessory, please visit www.goldinfinity-luxury.com

This Mother’s Day, treat your mum to something special from the Gafencu E-shop

This Mother's Day, say thank you with a little something special from the Gafencu E-shop — *This Mother’s Day, say thank you with a little something special from the Gafencu E-shop*

With Mother’s Day just two days away, there’s never been a better time to show your appreciation for the very special lady that raised you.

So put a smile on your mother’s face this May and treat her to something truly special from the Gafencu E-shop’s carefully curated collection of luxury lifestyle goods.

From elegant Frey Willie jewellery to Michael Kors sunglasses to elegant Juvenia timepieces, these stylish and luxurious gifts will light up her day.

Don’t miss out. Check out the selection on offer right now!

Rare Vintage Macallan Bottles: Spirits of the Age from Pop Art Greats

Two extremely rare vintage Macallan bottles – originally auctioned back in the 1980s – have reappeared on the market after three-decade interval. They will now headline the Bonhams’ Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky sale in Hong Kong later this month.

Macallan-1926-60 year old Sir Peter Blake © Bonhams © Mark French Photography (HK$3,600,000-4,600,000 per bottle)

Encased in specially commissioned cabinets (or ‘Tantaluses’), the 60 Years Old 1926 vintages – a Peter Blake Label and an Adami Label – together make up a hyper- exclusive limited edition of just 24 bottles (12 of each) and are estimated to fetch between US$460,000 – 586,000 apiece.

Commenting on their value, Daniel Lam, Head of Fine Wine and Whisky at Bonhams Hong Kong, said: “These bottles are incredibly rare. The exceptional calibre of the whisky, combined with artwork from two of the towering figures of 20th century pop art – Peter Blake and Valerio Adami – represent a unique marriage of excellence. The sale is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for collectors to acquire this Holy Grail of the Macallan world.”

Macallan-1926-60 year old Valerio Adami © Bonhams © Mark French Photography (HK$3,600,000-4,600,000 per bottle)

For the initiated, Sir Peter Blake and Valerio Adami are among the true pioneers of 20th century pop art. While Blake shot to fame as the designer of the famous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band Beatles’ cover (yes, the same one that was voted the no.1 album cover of all times by Rolling Stone magazine), Valerio Adami was an Italian artist feted for his comic art style.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Image courtesy: Bonhams Hong Kong

Van Cleef & Arpels historic 1925 Egyptian-style jewellery

High joaillerie connoisseurs had something of a rare treat last month April when historic 1925 Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet surfaced at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Sale in Hong Kong.

Valued at some HK$ 6,600,000 – 8,500,000, the wide diamond bracelet came decorated with five quatrefoil motifs in rubies and onyx, alternating with Egyptian lotus motifs set with emeralds and sapphires, mounted in platinum. Serving as a tabula rasa for an avant garde design in contrasting colour schemes, the bracelet was heralded as a prime example of the bold Art Deco jewellery of the Roaring Twenties.

Casting off the gloom of World War I, the Roaring Twenties was a time of exuberant creativity, sustained economic prosperity and undoubted joie de vivre. Arguably, the most revolutionary change that this period witnessed was women winning voting rights in most Western economies – a move that, among others, revolutionised all aspects of women’s fashion.

Embracing the spirit of adventure, women found themselves drawn to exotic motifs from faraway lands, mainly Egypt, thanks in no small part, to Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Van Cleef & Arpels, too found themselves riding the tide of Egyptomania, with archival sketches of this, jewellery revealing striking similarities with iconography from the lost Valley of Kings.