An unidentified foreign exhibitor alerted police on Wednesday as the three-day International Antiques Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre wrapped up.

"The antique bowl was stolen from one of the display cabinets. We have classified the case as theft," a police spokeswoman said.

"We are still investigating and no arrests have been made so far."

The fair's organiser, Chak's Investment, said it had no information about the crime.

The annual fair drew more than 50 exhibitors from Asia, Europe and the United States.

Hong Kong has emerged as one of the biggest auction centres after New York and London, fuelled by China's economic boom and demand from Asian collectors, especially mainland Chinese buyers, who have pushed up Chinese art prices. AFP