MAY 2012

VOLUME 43 - NUMBER 4

In this issue, Orientations takes an in-depth look at a variety of singular artworks with unusual historical backgrounds. Lothar Ledderose relates how a curious tobacco box came to symbolize the enduring friendship that developed between two 20th century men of letters in Tokyo. Anita Chung presents a stylistic analysis of an early Chinese lacquer box recently acquired by The Cleveland Museum of Art. Cole Roskam discusses the scale and significance of the Tushanwan Workshop Pagoda Collection, an ambitious, somewhat eccentric project undertaken in the early 20th century by a Jesuit monk in Shanghai.

We also focus on photographer and conceptual artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, who talks about his work, career and inspiration with Frank Feltens. Sylvan Barnet and William Burto reflect on Kegon Waterfall, one of Sugimoto’s best-known works.

In other features, Mary-Ann Milford-Lutzker reviews Audrey Whitty’s catalogue of the Albert Bender Collection at the National Museum of Ireland, and we cover highlights of a recent Asia Society symposium on collecting Asian art. In our commentary, Paul A. Lavy scrutinizes the ongoing tug-of-war between Cambodia and Thailand over Preah Vihear, an invaluable cultural heritage site at the centre of a border dispute.

FEATURES
Sylvan Barnet and William Burto. The Indecisive Moment: Hiroshi Sugimoto's Kegon Waterfall
Frank Feltens. Immaculate Concepts: In Conversation with Hiroshi Sugimoto
Cole Roskam. Translating Architecture: The Tushanwan Workshop Pagoda Collection
Anita Chung. Notable Acquisition: A Chinese Carved Lacquer Box at The Cleveland Museum of Art
Lothar Ledderose. Van Gulik's Tobacco Box
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Fair Preview: International Antiques Fair 2012
Interview with Thomas Fok
Symposium Report: 'The Future of the Past - Collecting Ancient Art in the 21st Century', Asia Society, New York, 18 March 2012
Mary-Ann Milford-Lutzker. Book Review: Audrey Whitty, 'The Albert Bender Collection of Asian Art in the National Museum of Ireland'
COMMENTARY
Paul A. Lavy. Commentary: Preah Vihear in Limbo: The Fate of an Ancient Flower