enya FASHION QUEEN

TRANSLATOR Sherry Chen

2019年5月，在東京國立博物館的一場「和而不同」新書和國際巡展發佈會後，隈研吾先生寫了一幅字“像詩一般的中國家具”送給了陳仁毅，為這次的合作留下了一份美好的註腳。

In May 2019, following the launch of the book “Harmony but not Uniformity” and its international exhibition launch tour at the Tokyo National Museum, Kengo Kuma inscribed the phrase “Poetry-like Chinese furniture” for Jerry Chen, marking their collaboration with a poetic touch.

當時，三個好朋友，一個名建築師、一位當代藝術家和一個做家具設計的他，三個深受東方文化耳濡目染的人，卻有著一份共同的執念。雖然時代變了，但屬於傳統文化中的那份安靜品質，他們想重新找回來，找回那原屬於東方人文中的氣息，讓傳統文化中的美好與精神不間斷地延續下去。

就像陳仁毅用東方的視角來延伸當代設計一樣，其實就是在最貼近生活的日常器物中注入傳統文化𥚃的美好價值，讓這個時代的生活器用遠遠超過一切有形的外觀。這是他從文化中得到的啓發，拋開地域界限提升當代審美到一個全新的文明高度，讓人與人之間和族群的融合充滿包容且突破界限。

因為，他覺得“文化”才是一件家具的根本和魅力所在！

今天，他的品味與鑑賞力被蘇富比主席推崇，他的設計創意也登上了國際拍賣會，他的作品更被世界知名的博物館所收藏 ⋯⋯

這麼優秀充滿傳奇的一位設計師，近日即將登上亞洲蘇富比香港總部的開幕展會上，精彩的作品成果分享真令人期待！

At the time, the three friends—a renowned architect, a contemporary artist, and a furniture designer— bonded by their deeply rooted appreciation for Eastern culture, shared a mutual vision. Despite the changing times, they aspired to reclaim the serene essence of traditional culture, preserving and continuing the beauty and spirit of Oriental heritage.

Jerry Chen extends contemporary designs through Eastern perspectives, imbuing everyday objects with the timeless values of traditional culture. His work transcends mere tangible appearance, drawing inspiration from cultural heritage and elevating modern design to new heights. Despite geographic limitations, he embraces a universal perspective in aesthetics, fostering inclusivity and breaking the boundaries among people and cultures.

For him, “culture” is the essence and allure of a piece of furniture.

Today, his sense and discernment of aesthetics are lauded by the Chairman of Sotheby’s. His innovative designs have participated in international auctions and are collected by renowned museums worldwide.

This extraordinary and legendary designer is set to feature at the grand opening of Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong. The showcase of his brilliant works is highly anticipated.

無盡意，意無盡

《 無盡意 the literati aesthetic 》攝影集，是蘇富比全球亞洲藝術主席仇國仕(Nicolas Chow)和陳仁毅兩個人，第一次出版的合作，也是仇國仕有關中國藝術品的第一本攝影集。

他們兩個人，除了廣為人知的藝術品鑒賞專業外，都具備了多元的生活品味與出眾的審美能力，也都是敢於創新的勇者。

在這一本以當代視角來呈現陳仁毅私人珍藏的攝影集中，你完全可以透過仇國仕這個超級專家的眼睛與鏡頭，來看見中國古代藝術品中的品味、精緻與文化美好。

陳仁毅有著雙重身份，一重身份是在全球藝術市場浸淫超過三十年，兩岸三地最早的藝術品投資基金管理者，經手過無數藝術品的知名中國藝術品專家，另外一重身份是以他多年對中國藝術品探索與研究心得，加上全球範圍博物館與各知名收藏的傳世中國古代家具實物經驗。

於二十多年前，他創辦的當代中式設計品牌「CHUNZAI 春在」，將其對古代文化的理解，重新釋放出屬於當代東方的創新設計活力，並於2016年攜手故宮出版《中國當代傢具設計》一書，奠定了他難以撼動的中國當代傢具設計領軍地位。

其實《無盡意》這本無心插柳的出版，前後也花了兩年多的時間，一開始只是為了釋放沈積已久對於文化美好的深度記憶，最後竟然演變成以攝影集的形式出現，間接來引導收藏家進入藝文的世界，也兌現他們用心的托付。

多年來陳仁毅一直在想，怎麼樣才可以有效地來分享個人在收藏時的審美經驗與價值判斷，同時又可以提升新買家在面對藝術品時收藏的心態和文化的觸動。實際上解決這個問題並不容易，經驗是很難傳遞的，美感的養成更需要長久的時間。

所以，想著想著或許用影像直觀的傳遞，可能會是最有效的方法。於是就在數千張的攝影照片中挑選出一批滿意的作品，完成了這本攝影集，同時也分享給蘇富比在全世界對於中國古代藝術品有興趣的重要收藏家。

在這段難得的相互交流過程中，讓彼此對東西方文化的差異和藝術品在生活中的多元視角與品味、美感，都有更進一步的提升！

The Literati Aesthetic, The Aesthetic Literati

The “literati aesthetic” photography book marks the first collaborative publication between Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and Worldwide Head of Asian Art, and renowned designer Jerry Chen. It is also Nicolas’ debut photography book on Chinese art.

Beyond their renowned expertise in art appraisal, both of them possess diverse tastes and exceptional aesthetic sensibilities, with a venturing spirit for innovation.

In this collection, which presents Jerry Chen’s treasuring collectibles through a contemporary approach, you are invited to experience the elegance, refinement, and cultural beauty of ancient Chinese art through the discerning eyes and lens of Nicolas Chow, a true artistic connoisseur.

Jerry Chen has a dual identity. He is a renowned Chinese art expert and has been in the global art market for over thirty years, managing one of the earliest art investment funds across Greater China, and handling countless masterpieces. On the other hand, his extensive exploration and research on Chinese art, together with his practical experience with collecting ancient Chinese furniture and experience with world-class museums, has defined his expertise.

Over twenty years ago, he founded the Chinese contemporary design brand “CHUNZAI,” channeling his profound understanding of ancient culture into innovative, vibrant, and reiterated modern Oriental designs. In 2016, he collaborated with the Palace Museum to publish “Chinese Contemporary Furniture Design,” solidifying his status as a leading figure in Chinese contemporary furniture design.

The publication of “the literati aesthetic” was a serendipitous endeavor, spanning over two years. Initially conceived to emancipate his accumulated deep memories of cultural beauty, ultimately evolved into a photography book. This work guides collectors into the world of art and literature, fulfilling a heartfelt promise.

Over the years, Jerry Chen has been pondering ways to effectively share our aesthetic and art appraisal experiences in art collections, while enhancing new buyers’ appreciation and cultural engagement with collections. Solving this is no easy feat; experience is difficult to transfer, and developing a refined taste for aesthetics requires time.

Thus, we decided that visual storytelling may be the most effective and direct approach. We carefully curated a selection from thousands of photographs that culminated in this photography collection. This endeavor is also shared with Sotheby’s most distinguished collectors of ancient Chinese art worldwide.

Through this rare exchange, we have fostered and elevated a deeper understanding of cultural differences between East and West, as well as diverse perspectives, perceptions, and aesthetic assessment of artworks in our everyday lives.

看見觀念比看見作品重要

除了對藝術品味和文化收藏的看法一致之外，幾家國際級大拍賣行對陳仁毅從藝術品鑒賞延伸出來的創意設計家具作品和概念的傳遞充滿興趣。

7月27號，蘇富比 Sotheby’s 新旗艦藝廊，即將在香港中環核心地段置地遮打，盛大開幕。

這個重大的決心，完全自主的超大場域落地香港，將會是全球藝文圈的盛會，也是亞洲藝術產業的全新里程碑。做為全球最大的拍賣平台，突破傳統只做拍賣的局限內容，觀眾將可在此享受獨特的博物館級體驗。仇國仕說：「我們的新旗艦藝廊勢必成為一個新地標，講述歷史，同時創造歷史，重現每一個世界上最精彩的故事。」

屆時，陳仁毅將以「當代中式家具設計師」的角色出場，並受邀提供了12件限量的簽名作品，在Sotheby’s 的開幕活動中參與展出。

「明式家具」是當下最受關注的藝術收藏品類，動輒幾百萬美金的拍賣價格，足以說明被全世界認可的價值。 蘇富比極具遠見的從「明式家具」延伸至「當代中式家具設計」的這個舉動，正在補足當代藝術創作裡被忽略的部分。

陳仁毅說：「舒適，是一種來自內心的穩定和愉悅，這是東西方文化很不一樣的地方。」

所以，借由這次的合作，蘇富比把東方生活中最重要也是長期被忽略的「傢具」項目，提升至「藝術作品」的範疇。把這「最貼近生活的藝術品」，重新帶入藝術品收藏家的視野之中。

這是繼《無盡意》從「文化.藝術.審美」角度合作後，再一次以「傳統創新&當代設計」視角，再度被蘇富比亞洲區主席兼全球亞洲藝術部主席仇國仕(Nicolas Chow)認可，推薦與蘇富比合作。

能和全世界最大的拍賣公司合作，在國際頂級展覽空間中展出，陳仁毅也覺得機會難得，更何況是在備受矚目蘇富比最重要的亞洲旗艦藝廊開幕期間。

他是第一位受邀登上香港蘇富比Sotheby’s國際舞台的當代中式家具設計師。之前，他也是第一個與Bonhams國際知名拍賣公司合作，出版了聯名的圖錄，並將作品上拍的知名當代家具設計師。

Conceptual Essence Transcends Visual Appreciation

Beyond shared views on cultural and aesthetic sense with art collection, several top-tier international auction houses have shown keen interest in Jerry Chen’s creative extension from art appreciation to innovative furniture design and concept conveyance.

On July 27th, Sotheby’s will inaugurate its new Asia flagship – Sotheby’s Maison in the heart of Hong Kong’s Central District, located at Landmark Chater.

This significant initiative, a fully autonomous and extensive location in Hong Kong, promises to be a monumental event in the global art scene and a new milestone for the Asian art industry. As the world’s largest auction platform, Sotheby’s is breaking the traditional boundaries of mere auctions: visitors will be granted a unique museum-grade experience. Nicolas Chow states, “Our new flagship gallery is poised to become a landmark, telling history and creating history, reviving the world’s most fascinating stories.”

Jerry Chen will make his appearance as a Chinese contemporary furniture designer and has been invited to showcase 12 limited edition signed pieces at Sotheby’s opening event.

Ming furniture, one of the most sought-after categories in art collections lately, commands an auction price of millions of dollars, reflecting its globally recognized value. Sotheby’s visionary take to extend Ming furniture to Chinese contemporary furniture design addresses the most often overlooked facet of contemporary artistic creation.

Jerry Chen explains, “Comfort is an inner sense of stability and joy, which distinctly differs between Eastern and Western cultures.”

Through this collaboration, Sotheby’s elevates the most overlooked yet essential aspect of Eastern living — furniture, to the realm of “artwork.” This concept reintroduces these “most intimate works of art” into the perspective of art collectors.

Following the collaboration on “the literati aesthetic” from the perspectives of culture, art, and aesthetic sense, Jerry Chen has once again garnered recognition from Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and Worldwide Head of Asian Art. This time, their collaboration focuses on the theme of traditional Innovation and contemporary design.

The opportunity to partner with the world’s largest auction house and to hold an exhibition in a premier international venue is indeed a rare privilege for Jerry Chen. This is especially significant during the highly anticipated opening of Sotheby’s Maison in Asia.

Jerry Chen is the first Chinese contemporary furniture designer to be invited to Sotheby’s prestigious international stage in Hong Kong. Previously, Jerry Chen was also the first designer to collaborate with Bonhams, an international auction company, publishing a co-branded catalog and auctioning his renowned contemporary furniture designs.

從荒原到春在

很多年前，陳仁毅一次到訪巴黎畢加索美術館的親身感受：「他們連家具、燈具⋯一些細微的美術館配置，都要求由藝術家來量身創作打造，近乎生活平常的到位，那種自然而然的講究，文化來自生活。」他真的感受到了！

過去一個世紀，不可否認西方主導著整個世界的發展，影響所及幾乎遍及生活、人文和藝術的各個層面之上。

兩千年後的今天世界改變了，亞洲崛起全球平衡發展的全新時代即將來臨，東方的精神和創造力在未來將會備受重視。

他說：「懂得汲取古代藝術的養分，再經由設計的落地，才有可能創造出另一番全新的價值，和達到一個文藝輝煌的精緻年代。」

文化，應該在設計中覺醒！

美感，應該在生活中看見！

他說：「我去做，只是因為我覺得該做。我不知道，這種經驗傳承的事如果我沒做，還有誰可以去做！」

「因為我曾設廠，經手、拆解、修復過上萬件古代的中國家具實物！

因為我曾過眼，上手、檢視、研究超過百億元價值的古董家具珍品！

因為我曾學習，古代當代、東方西方、傳統新創，超過30年的時間！」

20多年來，他在中式家具設計領域的投入，希望讓時間自然的接軌今天，探索、實踐並傳承，從荒原到春在，陳仁毅說：孤獨感，從來沒有離開過！

所以面對未來，怎麼樣找到一種兼具時代精神和生活品味的美學概念，有別於傳統也不同於西方，可以來影響下一代和下一個一百年的新東方特色，陳仁毅覺得是目前最急迫，必須要有人去做的事！

From Wilderness to CHUNZAI

Years ago, Jerry Chen visited the Picasso Museum in Paris, to which he was profoundly enlightening, “They had artists customized the furniture and lighting fixtures, with meticulous attention to every detail in the museum. This integration of art into everyday life underscores how daily aspects make up the essence of culture.” He felt the impact deeply.

For the past century, it is undeniable that the West has guided the development of the world, influencing virtually every aspect of life, humanities, and art.

Today, as we move into a new millennium, the world is shifting. With the rise of Asia, we are entering an era of global equilibrium, where Eastern spirit and creativity will soon be recognized.

He says, “To draw nourishment from ancient art and bring it to life through design is the only way to create new value and achieve a refined era of renaissance.”

Culture should awaken in design!

Aesthetics should be seen in everyday life!

He asserts, “I do it because I believe it must be done. If I don’t pass these experiences on to future generations, who will?”

“I’ve established factories, handled, dismantled, and restored over ten thousand pieces of ancient Chinese furniture.

I’ve examined, handled, and studied antique furniture worth over billions of dollars.

I’ve learned from both ancient and contemporary, Eastern and Western, traditional and innovative disciplines for more than 30 years!”

For over twenty years, his dedication to Chinese furniture design has intended to naturally connect the past and present, through exploring, actualizing, inheriting and passing on.  From wilderness to CHUNZAI, Jerry Chen reflects, “The sense of solitude has never left me.”

In prospect, he believes the priority is to find an aesthetic concept that embodies the spirit of the era with a fine sense of lifestyle. This concept should be distinct from tradition and the West, something that could influence the next generation and the next century with a unique twist to Eastern character. Jerry Chen feels that it has to be done by someone.