Page 111 - C.T. Loo A paper about his impact and activities in the Chinese art Market

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approval. After the scientific examination carried out at the MFA, K. Tomita wrote to

Loo, “I wish to say confidentially that I have found rather disturbing things. Naturally

because of the nature of these objects, they were examined under ultra-violet ray to

ascertain if there were any repairs. Much to our amazement the ku has been mended

considerably at the flaring part toward the rim. This partial restoration is not apparent to

the naked eye. What is puzzling us most is the fact that both of these bronzes have a

strange blue tinge which apparently was produced by coating or dyeing with something

like indigo in a very recent time, for the coloring is on the surface as a microscopic

examination indicates. These points I am communicating very privately realizing that you

are not aware of the repairs or the artificial coloring.” 241 Loo replied, “The most

important thing now is…that you will not mention this to any body and I hope also that

you will clean the false coloring so to bring those bronzes to their original state and, in

case they do not please you any more, please do not hesitate to return them to me and, if

possible, give me some more information regarding them, which would be very useful to

me.” 242

240
“CHL-7/91 Bronze ritual vessel Ku, finely cast with open-work outlined t’ao t’ieh
masks on base in scrolled meander pattern. Ins. Green and black patina. SHANG from
An Yang Ht: 10-1/8 mouth diameter: 5-3/4 ins. $5500” (C. T. Loo to K. Tomita and
Robert T. Paine, Jr., February 25, 1947, Folder C. T. Loo, box: I to L, 1936-1947,
AAOA-MFA)
241
Ku is spelled gu. K. Tomita to C. T. Loo, March 4, 1947, folder C. T. Loo, box: I to L,
1936-1947, AAOA-MFA. K. Tomita used the repaired condition of the bronzes to
negotiate with Loo over their prices. “In view of these reasons I venture to ask if you are
willing to reduce the prices of these bronzes before I submit them for the committee’s
consideration.” (K. Tomita to C. T. Loo, March 4, 1947 and C. T. Loo to K. Tomita,
March 6, 1947, Folder C. T. Loo, box: I to L, 1936-1947, AAOA-MFA)
242 C. T. Loo to K. Tomita, March 6, 1947, folder C. T. Loo, box: I to L, 1936-1947,
AAOA-MFA.