American Tastes in Japanese Art: The Influence of Sherman Emery Lee

At this free virtual talk Dr. James Ulak will offer thoughts on Sherman Emery Lee’s (1918–2008) powerful influence in directing collecting tastes in Japanese art throughout America. Lee’s advice has benefited countless private and institutional collections — including the Ackland Art Museum — from the immediate post-WWII era, through his distinguished museum career, and well into his retirement years. His role as a confidant to the Rockefellers is well documented and on display in the Ackland’s current extraordinary exhibition of Asian art, Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon: Masterworks from the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection at Asia Society