Before the 10th anniversary Ambassadors' Ball 2017, we get a sneak preview of the top lots with Jehan Chu

Jehan Chu is one of the smoothest auctioneers in Hong Kong, renowned for keeping his cool as bidding wars erupt around him. But he’s the first to admit that it’s not always easy. “My first real auction was a baseball memorabilia auction in London where I was warmly corrected by the audience several times for stating prices in US dollars rather than British pounds,” Chu recalls with a smile. “Auctions going wrong are never fun for the auctioneer.”

Thankfully, when Chu’s in control, auctions rarely go amiss. His auctioneering skills can be seen at charity events around the city and this weekend will be on display at the Ambassadors' Ball 2017, which is always a highlight on Hong Kong’s society calendar.

See also: By Design: Why Funding Creativity Helps Us All

Tatler Asia
Above Jehan Chu at the Ambassadors of Design Ball 2016. (Photo: Hong Kong Tatler)

On top of successfully hosting auctions for the Ambassadors of Design, Chu is also the co-founder and director of the Design Trust, an initiative of the charity that supports young creatives in Hong Kong and around the Pearl River Delta region. Reflecting on previous Ambassadors' Balls, one moment sticks out in Chu’s memory. “My best moment with the Ambassadors of Design was surely co-auctioneering with the now-Chief Executive Carrie Lam at the ball in 2016,” Chu says. “It was her first time auctioneering and, as I expected, she was a pro. Mrs. Lam has been a staunch supporter of Design Trust's mission and she was even kind enough to host our launch at her home back in 2014.”

Featuring artworks donated by the city’s leading galleries and objects, gadgets and furniture by some of the world’s top designers, this year’s auction is set to be better than ever. Click the gallery below to preview five of the top lots:


 

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'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 5 Austral Daybed by Christian Liaigre: Interior design firm Christian Liaigre has created sophisticated and sumptuous homes for luminaries including Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein and François Nars. This white leather daybed has been one of the studio’s most popular items ever since it was released in 2013. (Image: Courtesy of Christian Liaigre)
Photo 2 of 5 Alarm Keypad (2017) by Do Ho Suh: South Korean artist Do Ho Suh is famous for his intricate fabric sculptures that explore themes of memory, identity and belonging. Suh’s work hangs in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Modern in London and – if you bid on this print at the Ambassadors of Design ball – maybe your home, too. (Image: Courtesy of Lehmann Maupin)
Photo 3 of 5 Sine Corpore (2017) by Evan Holloway: American artist Evan Holloway explores the relationship between people and objects with his playful abstract sculptures. When making “Sine Corpore”, Holloway clearly had a true lightbulb moment. (Image: Courtesy of David Kordansky Gallery and the artist)
Photo 4 of 5 Breakfast (2016) by Douglas Young: Doulgas Young, the founder of G.O.D., regularly transforms seemingly mundane objects into thought-provoking works of art and design. With these painted stools, Young encourages us to appreciate the furniture we use everyday and the food that makes Hong Kong’s cuisine unique. (Image: Courtesy of the artist)
Photo 5 of 5 Three Views (2014) by Zheng Chongbin: Splitting his time between studios in Shanghai and San Francisco, Zheng Chongbin has dedicated his career to exploring new ways to use Chinese ink. As “Three Views” shows, Chongbin has brought ink painting a long way from traditional calligraphy. (Image: Courtesy of the artist)

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