Several artworks composed by Vietnamese artists will be part of the Asian Auction Week in Hong Kong to be held by leading Asian auctioneer Larasati on May 29 at Hong Kong's Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Among the 40 lots to be auctioned during the event will be the oil on canvas Self Portrait by Vietnamese Painter Do Quang Em.

Estimated price for the painting is between 12,900 USD and 25,800 USD, the highest assessment for a Vietnamese painting to be sold at an international art auction.

The auction will also exhibit the painting At Work, an oil on canvas by Dang Xuan Hoa, Mother and Child by Le Pho, with the price between 15,400 USD and 21,900 USD.

The lot is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity from Vinh Loi Galerie in Vietnam .

Two other works by well-known Vietnamese painter Bui Xuan Phai have also been listed and the starting prices were 7,700 USD to 10,300 USD. One is about Ha Noi and the other is about cheo (Vietnamese classical opera).

Larasati, which held its first auction in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2000, has grown rapidly, auctioning rare and emerging Asian artworks at record prices.

In 2003, the auctioneer marked a milestone in its pursuit to become a major player in the Asian market, with its entry into Singapore and becoming the first Asian-based auction house that crossed national borders.

The next sale of contemporary Asian art will be held in Singapore in August this year./.