Page 193 - C.T. Loo A paper about his impact and activities in the Chinese art Market

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collections in the United States. Fuller in Loo’s obituary stated, “His many friends will

cherish his memory and generations to come should be most grateful to him for his

initiative and good taste in taking advantage of unique and fleeting opportunities…In

purchasing these treasures on the open market he channeled them into the great private

and public collections of the West where they will be preserved for posterity.” (Fuller

1958, 8) In China, however, Loo was accused of being a culprit in the depletion of

Chinese art treasures.

Loo was acutely aware of the charges against him for his role in the transference of

Chinese cultural properties. In response, Loo stated in the 1940 catalogue, An Exhibition

of Chinese Stone Sculptures, “I feel so ashamed to have been one of the sources by which

these National treasures have been dispersed. Our only excuse is that none have ever

been taken by us but all bought in the open market in competition with other buyers.

China has lost its treasures but our only consolation is, as Art has no frontiers, these

sculptures going forth into the world, admired by scholars as well as the public, may do

more good for China than any living Ambassador. Through the Arts, China is probably

best known to the outside world. Our monuments may be preserved even better in other

countries than in China, because of constant changes and upheavals and so our lost

treasures will be the real messengers to make the world realize out ancient civilization,

and culture thus serving to create a love and better understanding of China and the

Chinese people.” (Loo 1940, Preface)

In the statement above, Loo presented several arguments for his innocence. First, he

had not participated in the actual removal of the art object or other illicit activities. On the