Fine Art Asia 2025
CRAFT Now: The Emergence of Exquisite Craftsmanship
Introduction to CRAFT Now
“CRAFT Now” makes its debut at Fine Art Asia 2025 as a celebration of contemporary crafts of exceptional artistic and collectable value. This curated showcase brings together esteemed galleries, with a particular focus on innovative artisans from across Asia. Many of these artists are formally recognised for their mastery of traditional techniques and honoured as preservers of intangible cultural heritage by national or cultural authorities.
Tokuhiro Masubuchi (b. 1970)
Incense burner with yellow glaze
and inlay
2025
Ceramic
H. 11 cm
Body: H. 8 x D. 8 cm
Mouth: D. 6 cm
Utsuwa Hanada, Tokyo
Tanabe Chikuunsai IV (b. 1973),
Sawako Kaijima, Haruo Mitsuta (b. 1980) and Takashi Wakamiya (b. 1964)
Hanamushin
2018
Bamboo, metal and lacquer
H. 28 x 43.5 x 21.5 cm
Yumekoubou, Kyoto/Hong Kong/Paris
Tsultrim Norbu (b. 1983)
Mandala of Six Purifications
2025
Gold mandala with gems thangka
H. 62 x W. 62 cm
Time Fast, Beijing
CRAFT Now galleries
The “CRAFT Now” session features galleries from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and China, showcasing exquisite contemporary crafts by established and emerging artists. With intricate designs and innovative techniques, these galleries highlight the vibrant diversity of modern craftsmanship in these regions.
Japan
B-OWND, Tokyo is dedicated to showcasing the finest expressions of Japanese beauty through contemporary craft. At Fine Art Asia 2025, they are exhibiting works by Takahiro Koga, Tomoya Sakai, Yoshiaki Imamura, Yudai Kitaura, Jasmine Noda, Satoshi Miyashita, and Naoko Oku.
Utsuwa Hanada, Tokyo specialises in tableware designed for both everyday dining and special occasions. At Fine Art Asia 2025, the gallery presents works by Yoshinori Izumi, Saemu Imu, Tokuhiro Masubuchi, Etsuji Noguchi, Ikumi Matsumoto, and Kodo Kiyooka. Notably, Saemu Imu is retired, and no new works will be created, making their exhibited pieces particularly unique.
Yumekoubou, Kyoto/Hong Kong/Paris is a regular exhibitor at Fine Art Asia. The gallery specialises in tea ceremony and flower arrangement utensils, lacquer wares, pottery, bamboo and wood carvings. This year, Yumekoubou is presenting works by Gizan Katoh, Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, Sawako Kaijima, Haruo Mitsuta and Takashi Wakamiya at the fair.
Korea
Soluna Fine Art/Soluna Fine Craft, Hong Kong/Seoul focuses on South Korean-inspired Asian fine art and objects, promoting Eastern aesthetics through contemporary works. At Fine Art Asia 2025, Soluna presents pieces by Cheon Woo-Sun, Choi Kee-Ryong, Kim Duck-Yong, Kim Keun-Tai, Jeong Da-Hye, Lee Kang-Hyo, Pyun Yae-Rin, and Woo Jong-Taek.
CultureCity Tongyeong, presented by The Tongyeong Cultural Foundation, promotes cultural and artistic development in Tongyeong, enriching daily life through accessible culture. At Fine Art Asia 2025, they showcase works by Jeong Chun-mo, Jeong Suk-hee, Jo Dae-yong, Jo Seong-Yeon, Kim Geug-Chun, Kim Geum-cheol and Park Jae-seong.
Hong Kong (China)
The Gallery by SOIL, a regular exhibitor at Fine Art Asia, specialises in Asian lacquer art, uniting masters and artists to blend traditional and contemporary styles. Dedicated to lacquer design and research, the gallery will showcase works by Ekkehard Altenburger, Takeshi Igawa, Ichizo Ino, Ma Gaoxian, Hikoju Makie, Sakurako Matsushima, Shingo Muramoto, Mayumi Onagi, Ou Tingzhu, Shi Yuguang, Haruka Sotome, Mine Tanigawa, Kohei Ukai, Lin Yuju, and Liu Yang, at the fair.
WAKA Artisans showcases a meticulously curated collection of handmade ceramics, functional ware, and artworks by Japan’s finest craft artists. Making their debut at Fine Art Asia 2025, the gallery will present exceptional pieces by Akiko Hirai, Kotoe Tazoe, Satomi Kawada, Takako Mori, and Takeshi Sakamoto.
Giant Year Gallery promotes Hong Kong’s contemporary ceramics by showcasing emerging artists. At Fine Art Asia 2025, it features works by Solan Chiu, Stephen Yeung, Louisa Peasley, Mariana Laurie, Conrad Li, and Winnie Mak.
China
Time Fast, Beijing curates exhibitions that blend contemporary art with early Buddhist sculptures, reimagining traditional forms like Thangka painting. At Fine Art Asia 2025, the gallery showcases contemporary Tibetan cloisonné Thangka by Tsultrim Norbu, highlighting innovative artistry.
CRAFT Now Pavilion
Ou Tingzhu (b. 1991)
Breeze 2/8
2023
Natural lacquer, linen and tile ash
H. 160 x W. 76.8 x D. 6 cm
The Gallery by SOIL, Hong Kong
Didi Ng Wing Yin (b. 1989)
Pleats Vase No. 14
2025
Pine, ink, tung oil
H. 92 x W. 32 x D. 36 cm
Specially created for Fine Art Asia 2025
Jeong Da-Hye (b. 1989)
Moving Crab
2024
Red horsehair and white horsehair
H. 35 x W. 31 x D. 21 cm
Soluna Fine Art, Hong Kong/
Soluna Fine Craft, Seoul
The “CRAFT Now Pavilion” features over 30 exceptional pieces, many debuting in Hong Kong, showcasing upscale contemporary crafts by artists from China, Japan, and Korea. This exhibition highlights innovative uses of uniquely Asian techniques and materials like lacquer, ceramics, bamboo, wood, paper, metal, glass, horsehair, and textiles. Each work exemplifies museum-quality craftsmanship and has received national and international recognition.
Curated by Susanna Pang of the Contemporary Crafts Centre, the pavilion is further enriched by the expertise of veteran curator Ying Jian and the accomplished consultant in the fields of craft and design Eva Qian Li, who both serve as advisors for the pavilion. This curated selection demonstrates that craft is not just “handicrafts” but a significant part of contemporary art with immense cultural and collectable value.
*Please refer to the appendix for the biographies of the Curator and Advisors.
Showcasing a rich diversity of materials and techniques, the exhibition celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship that define the contemporary craft movement. We are honoured to present two emerging artists whose practices exemplify exceptional skill and innovation, Didi Ng Wing Yin (b. 1989) and Jeong Da-Hye (b. 1989).
Born and raised in Hong Kong and currently based in Helsinki, Finland, Didi Ng Wing Yin is known for his masterful wood carvings that explore the raw essence of natural materials. His work has received numerous international recognitions, including being shortlisted as a finalist for the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize 2025 — marking him as the first artist from Hong Kong to achieve this distinction. The CRAFT Now Pavilion marks the debut presentation of his works in his hometown, a meaningful milestone in his artistic journey.
Jeong Da-Hye, winner of the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize in 2022, has redefined the ancient technique of horsehair weaving through her inventive approach to form and pattern. Her outstanding contributions to contemporary craft have earned her a place in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions, including the British Museum.
In addition to the highlighted artists, the pavilion also showcases works by LOEWE Craft Prize awardees and other artists who have received significant recognition. Many of their works are held in esteemed museums worldwide, including V&A Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
*Please refer to the appendix for the full list of participating artists and index of highlighted artworks.
Academic Programme
To further enrich the dialogue surrounding art and craft, a series of thought-provoking panel discussions will be held during the fair period.
On 4 October (Saturday), Susanna Pang, Director and Curator of the Contemporary Crafts Centre, will moderate a panel titled “Transforming Craft to Art”. Joining her are artist Didi Ng Wing Yin and Jeong Da-Hye, and Eva Qian Li, China Advisor to the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize. Together, they will explore the potential of materials and the transformative power of creativity in elevating
contemporary craft into the realm of fine art.
On 5 October (Sunday), the discussion “Revitalising Tradition: Craft Now” will bring together lacquer artist Ou Tingzhu, collector Carol Lee, and gallerist, ceramic scholar, and curator Ying Jian. Moderated by Susanna Pang, this session will explore the preservation and elevation of traditional craftsmanship, as well as the cultural significance and growing collectable value of contemporary craft in today’s evolving art market.
Special Programme
An exciting line-up of special programme will accompany the debut of CRAFT Now, celebrating the richness of contemporary craftsmanship. A lacquer art experience session (Booth D12), led by lacquer artists Li Chuanyi and Guo Zhangle, offering participants an immersive journey into the essence of lacquer techniques. This workshop will deconstruct the intricate process of creating lacquer art into manageable components. Students will explore the essence of lacquer craftsmanship, progressing from foundational skills to advanced techniques under the guidance of professional lacquer artists. The artists will demonstrate how to craft a lacquer art piece, starting with design and followed by inlay, lacquering, and polishing.
*For registration and details, please visit: http://bit.ly/3W6SrtP
The Artist Meet & Greet highlights the experiences that have shaped each artist’s path, exploring the challenges and defining moments that inform their practice. Audiences are invited to engage with remarkable craft artists, uncover the narratives behind their creations, and deepen their appreciation for artistry shaped by tradition and vision. Held at the Fair Lounge, this session will feature wood artist Didi Ng Wing Yin, horsehair artist Jeong Da-Hye, and lacquer artist Ou Tingzhu.
*For registration and details, please visit: http://bit.ly/4pFKhGr
A Japanese tea ceremony, “Chanoyu”, invites visitors to experience this tradition with contemporary tea utensils showcasing delicate craftsmanship. More than a service, “Chanoyu” is a shared ritual of equality. We invite guests to explore the profound connection between this ceremony and the exquisite crafts that lie at its heart, offering a moment of quiet reflection and cultural appreciation within the tranquil setting of B-OWND, Tokyo (Booth A11). Each session will run for 15 minutes and accommodate up to four participants, offering an intimate and focused experience.
Ms Susanna Pang, Curator of the CRAFT Now Pavilion said,
“I believe there should be no conflict between being ‘functional’ and ‘nonfunctional’ in crafts. Whether creating fine vessels or art pieces, the spirit of oriental craftsmanship has a long-standing tradition of being interconnected and inclusive, which is vital for its heritage and sustainable development.
I am honoured to be the curator of CRAFT Now Pavilion as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Fine Art Asia, an important platform for the convergence of ancient and modern art in Hong Kong. I look forward to more opportunities to showcase the diversity of crafts in the future. This exhibition has benefited from the support of a dedicated team from the organiser, as well as the expertise of two veteran experts, Ying Jian and Eva Qian Li. Together with the enthusiastic support of fellow galleries, we have made this exhibition possible.”
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