Page 170 - 2019 September 11th Sotheby's Important Chinese Art

EARLY CHINESE CERAMICS

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

芝加哥藝術博物館藏高古陶瓷

THE RUSSELL M. TYSON GIFT LOTS 710-736

Born in Shanghai in 1867, Russell M. Tyson (1867- his involvement with the Art Institute of Chicago. In
1963) seemed destined to become a collector of Asian the early 1920s he formed ‘The Orientals’, a group of
art. Although the family returned to the United like-minded enthusiasts who gathered informally to
States before Russell was a year old, he would recall view and discuss works of art and occasionally try to
the numerous Chinese works of art on display in his resolve the odd ‘problem’ piece.
childhood home, even remarking specifically on a While his primary collecting focus was on Chinese
jade jar that was used as a doorstop. Having been and Korean pottery and porcelain, he expressed
educated on the East coast, Tyson and his wife Sarah interest in all areas of Asian art, often providing the
moved to Chicago in 1893 where he embarked on funding for museum acquisitions outside of his main
a successful career in real estate. His collecting did focus. He frequently traveled to London and Paris,
not begin in earnest until 1920, when during his visiting auction houses and galleries, in pursuit of
travels in Korea he acquired several Korean ceramics works of art that satisfied his discerning taste and
that are now in the collection of the Art Institute of keen eye. He followed the market closely and when
Chicago. the collection of George Eumorfopoulos was offered
Tyson’s participation with the Art Institute began at Sotheby’s London, 28th-31st March 1940, Tyson
in the early 1920s, and he served as a trustee from acquired several pieces using John Sparks as his
1925 to 1953. He then became an Honorary Trustee agent.
and Honorary Vice President, and served in this His dedication to the acquisition and connoisseur-
capacity until his death in his 96th year. He held the ship of Chinese and Korean art as well as his deep
position of Chairman of the Oriental Committee involvement with the museum belie the intensity of
from its inception in 1922 until ill health forced his his passion and commitment to Asian art. His gen-
resignation in 1952. In 1958, with the opening of the erosity as both an avid collector and philanthropist
newly remodeled Asian art galleries, the trustees of have ensured that his sizable, impressive collection
the Art Institute of Chicago honored his interest and forms a legacy attesting to a lifelong pursuit of art
generosity by giving his name to one of the rooms. and knowledge.
His enthusiasm for Asian art extended well beyond