From 8 to 12 June the city of Brussels is temporarily the global centre of the Ancient, Asian and Tribal Arts.  The three organisers BAAF (Ancient arts) BOAF (Asian arts) and BRUNEAF (Tribal arts) have done well by combining the three disciplines, thus creating a melting pot of early non-European art.

 

Bruneaf 2011

The concept of this event is fairly simple. The trade holding house in and around the Zavel make their gallery or shop available to all foreign or non Brussels based dealers, free of charge or against a fee. The participating dealers are each selected and invited by one of the three organisers and come from all corners of the world. Strangely enough the number of participants from the next-door neighbours in the north is strikingly low. Can the Dutch not meet the quality standard (without doubt they can); is there a history of aggravation (don’t Brangelina also quarrel now and then) or do the Dutch not want to leave their comfort zone?

Fifteen leading specialists from Belgium, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, France, and the United States, whom are all members of International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art (IADAA), will treat the public with their finest and rarest pieces. Ranging from a Roman Marble head of Serapis (I-II Century A.D.) to a Falcon shaped sarcophagus.

The continent of the famous Emperors Qin Shi Huang is being represented by thirty specialised dealers presenting amongst others tantric paintings and ritual objects from the Gokhang, and for the very first time also highlights of contemporary Asian art. Participating are not only European and North American dealers, but also from Hong Kong, Japan and even Thailand.

Heavily represented during this five day event of non-European arts, are undoubtedly the tribal art merchants. Just under sixty dealers have saved their most prised objects of the past from nearly all continents except for Europe. A Maori canoe prow, Peruvian  Chimu sculpture, Kota relic or always impressive Tatanua mask from the island of New Ireland, visitors are bound to find more than enough objects of admiration.

All concentrated around the Zavel in Brussels, this jointly organised event will without doubt attract not only the seasoned and always ‘hungry ‘ collectors, but also novice collectors wishing to orientate themselves. Let us not forget that the strollers with a general interest in the arts or non-European cultures will not be disappointed either. Seldom are so many specialist all gathered within walking distance from each other.

Event details :

• BAAF >>
• BOAF >>
• BRUNEAF >>
• read more on Bruneaf