EEPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1912. 67 



house and to feel grateful to the man who has become a national 

 benefactor by bringing within the reach of all the message of the 

 great teachings of eastern art. In their v/orks of the brush the 

 Chinese have inculcated their finest feelings, and no better means 

 could be found for an appreciation of the true spirit of China than 

 a study of her ancient masters. The American national collection 

 now takes the lead in Chinese art and will form the basis for im- 

 portant research work to be carried on in this line. A^Hiatever the 

 future results of such research may be, whether the evidence in favor 

 of the authenticity of individual pieces will be strengthened or to a 

 certain extent modified, this will not detract from the intrinsic 

 value of these precious documents, greater than which no other period 

 in the history of art can boast. The grand old masters of the T'ang 

 and Sung periods are restored to life before our eyes, and speak to 

 us their suave language of murmuring brooks, splashing cascades, 

 glistening lakes, and rustling firs and pines. China thus is more 

 awake for us than ever before, and she is awakened to full life in 

 the displays of the National Gallery. May the timely event of a 

 temporary exhibition of selected art works from this unique col- 

 lection signal ' The awakening of China ' among our countrymen 

 and give a new stimulus to our artists and art students." 



The original donation comprised about 2,250 objects, but through 

 subsequent additions, consisting of materials more recently acquired 

 and mainly obtained in the course of Mr. Freer's later travels in the 

 Orient, the number has been nearly doubled. Included in the gift 

 is also a sum of money sufficient for the erection of an appropriate 

 and durable building in which the collection will be housed by itself, 

 and in which, besides the necessary exhibition halls and storage 

 rooms, will be ample accommodations for the use of students. The 

 retention of the collection at Mr. Freer's home has not prevented the 

 examination of its treasures by those deserving of this privilege, and 

 as many of the paintings and other objects have been shown at im- 

 portant exhibtions the world at large has had opportunity to learn 

 of the variety and value of its contents. 



The temporary exhibition at Washington was rendered possible 

 through the generosity of Mr. Freer in meeting the expenses of trans- 

 jDortation, and although not held under the most favorable conditions 

 as to space and lighting its success was more than gratifying. The 

 selection for the purpose, consisting of 175 objects, was made with 

 reference to illustrating the various branches of the collection, and 

 comprised both American and oriental paintings, and oriental pot- 

 tery, bronzes, sculpture, glass, and illuminations. The installation 

 occupied the large western hall of the new Museum building designed 

 for displaying large mammals, which measures about 167 feet long by 



