A Tribute to Miss Lucy II

This exhibition, the second of four dedicated to showcasing Miss Lucy Truman Aldrich’s collecting vision, brings together exceptional examples of artistry and technical skill from China, Tibet, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. Many of the textiles represent areas of great depth within the collection; however, a few pieces stand alone - perhaps due to the great difficulty in accumulating a mass of artworks from regions that were less accessible in the 1920s and 30s than they are today. Miss Lucy traveled widely throughout Asia and acquired textiles from an astounding range of cultures and regions.

Each textile or costume piece in this room may be appreciated simply for its beauty. Each one also displays the highest possible level of achievement within a particular craft. Miss Lucy sought the best advice in making purchases for her collection, but she also had an educated eye, for she rarely made a mistake.

Objects from Miss Lucy’s gifts and bequest appear in almost every exhibition installed within this gallery. Due to their fragility and susceptibility to damage from exposure to light, the pieces are changed every four months, and those that have been shown are “rested” for three or four years between periods on display. Miss Lucy’s important Islamic textiles, Javanese batiks, and Central Asian embroideries have been on view too recently to include them in this current show. If you have a favorite, however, rest easy. This gallery is devoted to exploring the textile arts of Asia, and the extraordinary works of art collected by Miss Lucy are the foundation and the touchstone for the Museum’s continuing acquisitions in this field.