Page 162 - C.T. Loo A paper about his impact and activities in the Chinese art Market

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domestic and international affairs. Under this circumstance, Loo timely justified his

dealing by identifying himself as a Chinese/American dealer, who cultivated the Chinese-

American friendship by helping China protect, preserve, and appreciate its cultural

337
heritage. Loo stated in the catalogue of the 1949 Song mural exhibition, which was on
view in his New York gallery, “If there are some of compatriots who should feel that the

removal of the frescos out of China, is a loss to our Country, I trust that they also should

feel satisfied that those frescos will be safely and permanently preserved in a friendly

Country.” (Loo 1949, Introduction) He further stated, “Our expectation is that this

Exhibition may increase knowledge of the Great Past of China and by so doing promote

understanding between our Countries.” (Loo 1949, Introduction)

Loo not only shifted his identity, but also presented himself as a world citizen, who

338
handled timeless and universal artworks. His stance, however, masked his role as an

exotic Chinese servant for his rich and powerful Euro-American clientele.

337
See Chapter Four, pp.192-9.
338 In addition to Chinese art, Loo dealt in Tibetan, South, Southeast Asian art, as well as
Mexican art.