Asian art

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is the custodian of one of the most distinguished collections of Asian art in Australia, valued at over $55 million. It represents some of the finest moments in art in the region’s history and has benefited greatly from the generosity of individual collectors and patrons.

The genesis of our Asian art collection was the gift of a large group of ceramics and bronzes by the Government of Japan in 1879. Benefactors who have been instrumental in forming the collection since then include Kenneth and Yasuko Myer (Japan), Edward and Goldie Sternberg (China), J Hepburn Myrtle and Graham E Fraser.

Our Southeast Asian holdings have expanded through donors such as Freddy Storch (Thailand) and Alex Biancardi, who bequeathed important Indian sculptures and Indonesian textiles.

The collection’s strengths are in the arts of China and Japan, but we are developing our holdings of Indian sculpture and painting as well as those of Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Indonesian art.

With our exhibition, events and education programs, the Art Gallery is firmly placed as a leading centre for Asian art and culture in the region.

For information about supporting our Asian exhibition and program activities, see VisAsia.