Introducing the John Howard Steensen Collection of Asian Art, an exceptional gathering of nearly 400 items assembled over three generations of discerning collectors, spanning almost every category of Asian art: ceramics, paintings, bronzes, sculptures, textiles, cloisonne, lacquer, and ranging from China, Japan, the Himalayas, central and southeast Asia. John Howard Steensen lived a remarkable life; soon after receiving his masters degree in international studies from Stanford University he was assigned as translations editor at McGraw-Hill in New York. This position led him to become the Director of Publications for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, a position of diplomatic status specifically created for him. Being a third-generation connoisseur of Asian art, his personal collection continued to grow during his professional years with splendid additions from renowned auction houses and private dealers in Paris and New York. He continued to expand his collection upon his retirement in Southern California, becoming involved with the Chinese Art Department of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Pacific Asia Museum, where he served as a member of the board as well as Director of Acquisitions.

The collection is offered to the public for the first time in its entirety.