Treasures From Hanguang-pavilion:a Study Of John M. Crawford, Jr. And His Collection Of Chinese Painting And Calligraphy

This thesis is a pioneer study on John M. Crawford, JR.(1913‐1988), a prominent Chinese painting and calligraphy collector in the United States. In contrast to previous studies, which are mainly focused on his collection, this thesis, based on the study of exhibition catalogues and archives, conducts an in depth all‐round study on his collection, exhibitions, social networks, and the relevant personal life to his collecting career. Through these observations and analysis, readers will not only grasp a comprehensive understanding of John M. Crawford, JR. and his achievements in Chinese art collecting, but also percept the dealing‐collecting–researching mechanism around Chinese art in the mid‐late twentieth century in the United States, as well as the phenomenon and rationale of far eastern culture boom in Western countries after the Second World War.The introduction places John M. Crawford, JR. amongst the theoretical and historical background of his time. The first part of this thesis,“John M. Crawford, JR.’s Activities in Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Collecting”, investigates his well‐attended exhibitions and his collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy, as well as his strong networks in the relevant professions. The second and third part move our focus from the “front stage” to “back stage”, examining the multifaceted efforts John M. Crawford, JR. has devoted as a collector, particularly on the collector’s philosophy and his book collecting, as well as his personal life and character that refers to his career as a collector. The fourth part of the thesis conclusively analyzes the causes of John M. Crawford, JR.’s achievements in Chinese painting and calligraphy collecting. My arguments directly point to his talent, efforts, and the convenience brought by the special historical period in the middle of the twentieth century, as well as being one of the many Chinese art collectors in the West, his representativeness of that group of collectors in that social and historical setting.