Phillips Presents Unique and Fashion-Forward Pieces by Acclaimed Hong Kong Contemporary Jewellery Designers
Jewels & Jadeite Auction: 23 June 2022 | JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
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A Pair of Carved Jadeite Plaque, Spinel and Diamond Pendent Earrings, Karen Suen Estimate: HK$320,000 - 480,000/ US$40,000 - 60,000 |
Tanzanite, Emerald and Diamond 'The Phoenix' Feathers' Earrings, Tanzanite and Emerald weighing 9.18 and 4.42 carat in total, Austy Lee Estimate: HK$160,000 - 250,000/ US$20,000 - 32,000 |
Hong Kong – 6 June 2022 – Building upon Phillips’ tradition and continued success in offering creative designs by contemporary talent among jewellery designers around the world, this season Phillips is pleased to present unique pieces by two of Hong Kong’s homegrown contemporary jewellery designers, Karen Suen and Austy Lee, in its upcoming Jewels & Jadeite sale on 23 June. Karen Suen was recognised by the Outstanding Greater China Design Awards and honored with one of the Ten Outstanding Designer Awards in 2014. Her philosophy to create multi layered and carefully contemplated jewellery designs with an innovative twist has been attracting jewellery collectors around the world. Austy Lee is well known for his excellent workmanship, design themes, the use of rare gemstones, and avant-garde designs. He has also been awarded in fine jewellery and fashion competitions in Switzerland and Germany.
Charlene Lau, Head of Department, Hong Kong, Phillips Jewels, said: "As unique designs and ingenious craftsmanship become sought-after by collectors around the world, young contemporary jewellery designers are getting more and more attention in the international jewellery market. Phillips Jewels is committed to foster young, contemporary jewellery talent, and this season we are very honoured to work with Karen Suen again, whose distinctive designs have been offered by Phillips over the past few seasons and achieved good results. In addition, we are pleased to offer Austy Lee’s one-of-a-kind exclusive high jewellery pieces for the first time at Phillips. Both designers are brilliant with bringing fresh ideas to traditional materials, tapping into a creative and experimental mindset that coincides with Phillips Jewels. We are pleased to offer our global clients an opportunity to acquire contemporary jewellery pieces with aesthetics and expressivity.”
Karen Suen
Highlighting the sale is a pair of carved jadeite plaques with spinel and diamond pendant earrings (illustrated in page 1) created by Karen Suen. The exceptional jadeite carved plaque earrings in a pagoda structure, suspended by the red spinel and diamond top, embodies Karen’s aesthetic and visionary as a contemporary designer. Karen’s love and passion for arts and exquisite beauty stems from her stint in the world of performing arts as a professional contemporary dancer, translating past experience into her craft as a fine jewellery designer. Her unique East meets West designs combines traditional Asian materials with a Western aesthetic, stretching her creations beyond borders to resonate with jewellery connoisseurs all over the world.
Austy Lee
This season’s Jewels and Jadeite Sale will offer 7 avant-garde jewellery pieces by Hong Kong jewellery designer Austy Lee.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Austy is a high-end jewellery designer with almost 20 years of experiences in the industry. Since childhood, Austy has always been interested in art, design, fashion and history. He started his design journey working as a graphic designer and illustrator in a local magazine, then began his career in jewellery as a design trainee in Adler Jewellery in Hong Kong. Later in his career, he was selected as the Chief Designer for Wendy Yue. His designs are worn by many Hollywood and international celebrities and famous people around the world, as well as featured on multiple international magazines, websites and blogs. They are also sold in the most exclusive boutiques and department stores around the globe.
The Phoenix’ Feathers Earrings (illustrated page 1)
From the designer’s Garden of Myth collection, in which each piece is inspired by a particular legendary mythical creature or plant. The form of the earrings resembles phoenix feathers, and the purple and blue-coloured gold represent the flaming phoenix and ice phoenix, respectively.
The Flamboyant Bracelet
Austy often travels around the globe for inspirations. The design concept of the flamboyant bracelet comes from the mesmerizing Gothic architecture, cathedrals and churches he visited. He always carries his logbook with him when exploring the world and sketches down any inspiration that appears, which often evolves into design concepts.
Akomeogi Dansu Earrings
Austy often incorporates jadeite with different elements to create innovative and modern designs. This unique pair of earrings are inspired by the traditional Fan Dance, practiced in various Asian cultures, encapsulates the movement of a folding fan held by the dancer while performing. Often using carved jadeite as a design aesthetic, Austy’s signature use of juxtaposing colour forms part of his design identity.
The Soul of Flame Brooch
In Greek mythology, Ikhor represents the blood of gods and immortals. He believes the colour red is powerful and associated with strong emotions such as love, passion, sex and excitement. Elements of red often appears in this collection. Butterfly is associated with human souls in ancient Greek. The intricate openwork pattern on the butterfly mimics burning flames, signifying passion and freedom. This is also a metaphor along the lines of rebirth, eternity and spiritual transformation.
Hypnotic Magma Ring
Austy’s inspiration of this piece comes from the mesmerising volcano eruption scenes. The colourful choices of enamel are an analogue of how lava erupts in his fantasyland.
The Lāsya of Parvati Ring
In Hindu mythology, Lāsya is a dance performed by Parvati - the Hindu Goddess of power, harmony and motherhood. Parvati is worshiped for help with marriage, parenting and fertility. The colours and pattern on the ring is derived from Parvati’s remarkable red dress, indicating the mysterious and exotic Indian culture.
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Auction: Thursday, 23 June, 2:30pm
Hong Kong Preview: 18-22 June 10am to 7pm / 23 June 10am to 12pm
Location: JW Marriott, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Sale page: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/HK060122
*Please download attached PDF for full press release
PRESS CONTACTS:
HONG KONG – Ingrid Hsu, Public Relations Director, Asia Ingridhsu@phillips.com +852 2318 2043
ABOUT PHILLIPS
Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world. In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services. Visit www.phillips.com for further information.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
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