Discover an evening where Asian artistic traditions meet the timeless glamour of Art Deco.
Born in the 1920s, Art Deco revolutionized global design with clean geometry, symmetrical lines, and modern luxury. This legendary style drew profound inspiration from traditional Asian art, merging ancient Eastern beauty with bold Western modernity.
Japanese aesthetics shaped Art Deco’s sleek sophistication. Inspired by ukiyo-e prints, minimalist composition, and luxurious lacquer craftsmanship, Art Deco adopted Japan’s flat bold colors, strong silhouettes, and balanced asymmetry. Classic Japanese elements—cherry blossoms, bamboo, wave motifs, and refined kimono patterns—were simplified into modern geometric designs. The iconic glossy black lacquer finish became one of Art Deco’s most luxurious and timeless signatures.
Chinese art brought symbolic grace and imperial color tones. Traditional Chinese motifs including dragons, phoenixes, cloud scrolls, and pagoda silhouettes were reimagined into sharp, elegant Deco ornamentation. The rich palette of jade green and cinnabar red defined the era’s exotic luxury. In 1920s–30s Shanghai, a unique Sino-Deco style emerged, perfectly blending Western modern architecture with classic Chinese artistic details.
Indian, Persian, and Southeast Asian arts added vibrant opulence. Mughal-era design deeply captivated Art Deco creators. Intricate stone relief carvings, legendary peacock symbolism, and the centuries-old Indian craft of hand-carving emeralds, rubies, and sapphires delivered an explosive jewel-toned color palette into crisp, repeating geometric arrangements—most famously seen in Cartier’s iconic Tutti-Frutti jewelry line. Complemented by radiant tile geometry and layered palm-frond patterns from Persia and Southeast Asia, these rich, dramatic motifs brought warm, lavish color and theatrical grandeur to Deco interiors, textiles, murals, and fine jewelry.
These celebrated works demonstrate how Asian artistic traditions helped shape the visual language, luxury, and theatrical elegance of the Art Deco era.
An evening of Asian art, music, performance, fashion, and Art Deco glamour.
Hosted by Asian Arts New York, Imperial Splendor celebrates the exquisite cross-cultural dialogue between Asian visual, musical, and performing arts and the sophisticated glamour of the Art Deco era.
The evening features a curated art exhibition, themed fashion showcase, live music by the AANY Eastern Music Ensemble, and a patio silent auction. Guests will enjoy a fusion dinner by Mazzone and a vibrant program of traditional Asian artistic performances.
Art, fashion, spectacular cultural performances, and community spirit came together at Asian Arts New York's 2026 Annual Fundraising Gala — Imperial Splendor: Eastern Arts Meets Art Deco Glamour!
It was an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity, cultural connections, and the power of art to bring people together.
A special thank-you to our Elected Officials, talented artists, generous art lenders, dedicated volunteers, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to bring this remarkable evening to life. Your creativity, generosity, time, and dedication made it all possible!
To our guests, friends, donors, sponsors, and community supporters — thank you for believing in our mission and helping Asian Arts New York continue to grow. Your support empowers us to preserve and share Asian artistic traditions, create opportunities for artists, and build meaningful connections across cultures and generations.
Art transcends boundaries and connects people. Together, we make it happen!
Thank you to the following artists for donating their artwork to support AANY’s mission and fundraising efforts.
Special thanks to the following supporters for generously lending their artwork and treasured pieces for the exhibition.
A seasonal dinner prepared by Mazzone.
Enjoy a curated grazing station featuring artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, breads, and house-made dips
(GF, V)
Honey-poached pear, bibb lettuce, walnuts, gorgonzola, champagne vinaigrette
Rolls & Butter
(GF)
Grilled, toasted garlic pink peppercorn, rosemary hasselback potato, charred asparagus, shallot demi
Creamy farrotto, Swiss chard, brown butter salsify, miso glaze
(GF, V, VG)
Autumn quinoa tabbouleh-stuffed delicata, charred apple sauce, butternut purée, apple walnut salad, pickled mustard seed
(GF)
Sugar-dusted, raspberry sauce, toasted almond
