Splendid Visions: Gifts from the Robert and Amy Clague Collections

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Throughout its 60-year history, Phoenix Art Museum has developed a distinctive collection of Asian art through gifts from local collectors, whose legacy of generosity benefits visitors of all ages and will do so for generations to come. This spirit of visionary philanthropy characterized Robert and Amy Clague, both of whom passed away in 1995 and 2020, respectively. Although their individual interests varied, the Clagues each assembled collections that earned international acclaim for the Museum. Robert Clague collected Chinese cloisonné and, later, Chinese bronzes, while Amy Clague collected Chinese and Southeast Asian textiles, as well as Hindu and Buddhist manuscript covers. Through their unique interests, the Clagues inspired each other to seek works of art that depict life experiences different from their own, with compositions rich in cultural meaning and religious symbolism. Most importantly, they shared a vision of Phoenix Art Museum as a place in which all people might learn about the peoples and cultures of Asia.

IMAGE CREDIT

Unknown, Ogival throne cover with decoration of a dragon coiled about a flaming pearl amidst scrolling clouds (Cubierta del trono ojival con decoración de un dragón enrollado alrededor de una perla en llamas en medio de nubes), Ming dynasty. Silk kesi tapestry, dyed polychrome silk yarns, gold-wrapped yarns and peacock-feather-filament-embellished yarns. Gift of Amy S. Clague.