Presentation of Exquisite Japanese Ceramics
Robert G. Wheeler '50, a distinguished Lehigh University alum and Yale scholar, has developed a significant collection of Asian ceramics, including Japanese porcelain, which is set to enrich the academic offerings at his alma mater.
Wheeler's interest in Japanese porcelain was ignited in 1974, following a study trip to China with a delegation of 15 scholars. The artistic practices and cultural influences from China and Korea during this period left a lasting impression on Wheeler, shaping his interest in this unique art form.
Upon returning home, Wheeler delved into numerous library books on the subject and began purchasing Imperial porcelain. His collection now includes 32 pieces of Japanese porcelain, dating from the mid-17th century to the 19th century, with one of the oldest pieces being a pie crust-shaped plate from 1670.
Wheeler's collection offers insights into changing technology, including the use of ceramic materials, firing processes, glazes, and chemical compositions in different time periods. The artworks also provide a window into Japanese society and prompt discussions about early trade interactions among the Chinese, Japanese, and Europeans.
One of the key aspects of Wheeler's collection is its minimalist aesthetic, which aligns with his preference for the simplicity of Japanese porcelain designs. Many stories can be told through careful visual analysis of the artworks, as their subject matter reflects the cultural or religious beliefs of the time periods.
Wheeler's donation to Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) could stimulate interest in the interaction between various cultures and peoples, and their motivations and perspectives on art and life. LUAG regularly takes requests from faculty for original works of art to be available for review, and Wheeler's donation could offer opportunities for learning and research among faculty members and students, particularly in the study of glazes and chemical compositions.
Beyond his academic pursuits in art history, Wheeler boasts an impressive background in physics. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from Yale and was a leader in research efforts in cryogenics. After retiring from Yale in 1997, Wheeler continued his passion for learning by enrolling in undergraduate courses at Yale, including a seminar in art history, and discovered about 4,000 Japanese artifacts in the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale.
Wheeler's donation to Lehigh University is not the first time he has shared his collection with the public. In 2015, he co-curated the exhibition Samurai and the Culture of Japan's Great Peace at the Peabody Museum.
While there is no direct information available on the provenance, scholarly importance, or impact on Lehigh University’s curriculum and research programs of Wheeler's collection, it is clear that this donation will significantly contribute to the university's art history and archaeology courses, support research in ceramic art, cultural exchange, and material culture studies, and potentially lead to exhibitions, publications, and interdisciplinary inquiry related to East Asian art and history.
If you are interested in detailed information on this topic, we recommend consulting Lehigh University’s art museum or East Asian studies department archives or publications, which may hold detailed records or analyses of Wheeler’s collection.
- The faculty at Lehigh University could engage in research related to Japanese porcelain, given Robert G. Wheeler's significant donation to the Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG).
- The artworks from Wheeler's collection, with their minimalist aesthetic and historical context, could be used as learning materials for education and self-development in the field of art and culture.
- The technology used in the production of the Japanese porcelain pieces in Wheeler's collection could stimulate discussions among students and faculty on the evolution of engineering and technology over time.
- Lifelong learning is evident in Wheeler's passion for art history, demonstrated by his enrollment in undergraduate courses at Yale and participation in curating exhibitions, such as Samurai and the Culture of Japan's Great Peace.
