NEW YORK: Asia Week New York is set to return from March 13 to 21, bringing a renewed focus on Asian art, culture, and antiquities to the Western world. This annual event, now a staple in the global art calendar, has become a platform for galleries, auction houses, and museums to highlight the artistic legacy of Asia.
A celebration of Asian art
According to the Asia Week New York Association (AWNYA), this year’s event will feature 26 international galleries and six leading auction houses, including Bonhams, Christie’s, Doyle, Freeman’s | Hindman, Heritage Auctions, and Sotheby’s. Exhibitions span various artistic disciplines, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, textiles, and antiquities.
Prominent art dealers such as Alisan Fine Arts, The Art of Japan, and Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd. will also showcase exceptional pieces demonstrating the historical and cultural significance of Asian art. Many of these artworks, ranging from the second millennium BCE to the contemporary era, provide insights into how Asian aesthetics have influenced global artistic expressions.
Auction houses
The role of auction houses in this annual event cannot be understated. According to Sotheby’s, their auction series will include rare Chinese porcelain, South Asian miniature paintings, and Japanese calligraphy scrolls. Similarly, Christie’s will feature an exclusive Southeast Asian collection showcasing historical Buddhist sculptures and ink paintings.
In past editions, record-breaking sales have underscored the growing Western appetite for Asian art. The 2024 edition saw a Tang dynasty art figure sell for over US$2 million, reflecting the sustained demand for such rare antiquities. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, with collectors from Europe, the United States, and the Middle East driving interest.
The cultural institutions
Beyond the commercial side, several New York-based institutions will play a vital role in this year’s programming. The Asia Society and Museum, located at 725 Park Avenue, will serve as a central hub for discussions on Asian cultural heritage. According to Asia Society New York, its special exhibition will explore the fusion of Eastern and Western artistic techniques, featuring works by contemporary Chinese artists who blend traditional ink styles with modern influences.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) is hosting a symposium on Asian influence in European art movements. The symposium will examine how motifs from Chinese blue-and-white porcelain were incorporated into 18th-century European decorative arts.
Bridging cultures through art
Art collectors and museum representatives worldwide are expected to attend, seeking to acquire rare artefacts and discuss Asia’s evolving role in the international art scene. Notably, several art fairs in Paris, London, and Hong Kong have been expanding their Asian collections, underscoring a broader global renaissance in the appreciation of Eastern aesthetics.
A Growing market for Asian art
According to a 2024 report by Art Basel and UBS, the Asian art market grew in the past year, with demand surging for traditional and contemporary works. With more collectors seeking Japanese woodblock prints, Indian Mughal miniatures, and Korean celadon ceramics, auction houses are expanding their Asian art departments to accommodate this trend.
This shift reflects a changing dynamic in global art collecting. While European and American Impressionist and Modernist works have long dominated auctions, Asian artists are now gaining higher visibility. For instance, Chinese artist Zhang Daqian recently surpassed Pablo Picasso as the world’s top-selling artist by auction value, a testament to the growing demand for Eastern masters.
Asia Week New York is more than just an art fair—it celebrates the cultural dialogues that continue to shape the global art landscape. With institutions, collectors, and scholars coming together, the event underscores the enduring influence of Asian artistic traditions.
As the Western art market continues to embrace Eastern influences, events like Asia Week New York play a crucial role in shaping how Asian heritage is preserved, appreciated, and integrated into modern artistic narratives.
Visit the official Asia Week New York website for full details on exhibitions, auction schedules, and participating institutions.
Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)