Wang Shixiang (1914-2009)
Nancy Berliner

The name Wang Shixiang conjures up the image of a man with unrelenting energy to redefine, revitalize and rethink the scope of Chinese art; his bold and deep research explored never-before respected or revered aesthetic creations in Chinese culture. His countless contributions to the realm of art history, and indeed to Chinese and world culture, were everything but a rehashing of previous scholarship. Many of the topics that attracted him were ones which might have faded had Wang not made the effort to locate aging artisans, as well as fading historical documents. For his perseverance and diligence, Wang received national and international awards including a 1985 Ministry of Culture Award from the Chinese government and the Principal 2003 Prince Claus Award from the Netherlands 'in recognition of his expert and innovative research into the crafts of China'. Beyond his scholarly and cultural contributions, Wang also made indelible impressions on those around him in other realms of life. He was a committed gourmet, a talented survivor and optimistic champion over political impediments, and a dedicated and loving husband to his wife, Yuan Quanyou (1920-2003).

 News 

The Cleveland Museum of Art has appointed Seunghye Sun Associate Curator of Japanese and Korean Art, starting in July this year. The appointment is supported and made possible by a spendable three-year grant of US$450,000 awarded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Sun will be responsible for the care, presentation and interpretation of the museum's renowned holdings of Japanese and Korean art, as well as exhibition development, public programming and acquisitions.

After a strong year in 2009, Christie's Hong Kong is seeking to consolidate its Asia business by strengthening its senior management team. Previously Chairman of Christie's Europe and France and International Head of the Jewellery department, François Curiel relocated to Hong Kong at the end of January as President, Asia. Former President, Asia, Andrew Foster was promoted to International Managing Director, Auction & Private Sales. Ken Yeh was promoted from Deputy Chairman, Asia to Chairman, Asia. Former Deputy Chairman, Asia and Americas Theow H. Tow was named Honorary Chairman, Asia and Jonathan Stone was appointed Managing Director, Asia.

On 16 December, The Frick Collection and The Center for the History of Collecting in America hosted an award ceremony for Julia Meech, the 2009 winner of the Sotheby's Book Prize for a Distinguished Publication on the History of Collecting in America, for her critically acclaimed monograph Frank Lloyd Wright and the Art of Japan: The Architect's Other Passion (New York, 2001), published in conjunction with an exhibition at Japan Society.

A conference, 'Telling Images of China - Narrative and Figure Paintings, 15th-20th Century, from the Shanghai Museum' will be held at the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, on 30 April and 1 May in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name (12 February-2 May). For details, see www.cbl.ie/