June 27-August 23, 2009
Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Exhibition Hall

Under the leadership of Sherman E. Lee, the Cleveland Museum of Art achieved distinction in art collecting and scholarship and was transformed from a regional museum into one of international standing. Lee's commitment to standards of quality left a tangible legacy on the museum's collection. As the nearby timeline demonstrates, he was responsible for many of the museum's most notable acquisitions in all areas.

Drawn from across the museum's holdings of Asian art-one of the premier collections in the West-the works featured in this exhibition were acquired during Lee's career as curator of Oriental art (1952-1958) and director (1958-1983). Collectively, they constitute the extraordinary legacy of a man who understood the artistic and cultural diversity of Asia and the fascinating interrelationships within that diversity. Individually, they offer insights into his insistence on the aesthetic quality and singular character of great works of art, as well as his relationships with dealers, collectors, and curators.

In celebrating Lee's achievements, we invite you to consider his role in creating an extraordinary resource in which generations of Clevelanders can find beauty, inspiration, and understanding.

Streams and Mountains Without End: Asian Art and the Legacy of Sherman E. Lee at the Cleveland Museum of Art was organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art and curated by Anita Chung, curator of Chinese art; Stan Czuma, curator emeritus of Indian and Southeast Asian art; and Jim Ulak, deputy director of the Freer and Sackler galleries. This exhibition was presented by Hahn Loeser + Parks LLP. Support for education and public programs was provided by the Womens Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art was generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this exhibition with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.