Frank Bayley was a notable collector and generous donor of art, with a focus on Korean art, Japanese art, Chinese ceramics, and Western prints and drawings. During his lifetime, he gifted 86 works to SAM’s collection, and a significant bequest upon his passing in 2022 welcomed over 280 additional artworks to the museum’s holdings. This exhibition celebrates his legacy and features highlights from the collection, particularly Korean ceramics—including celadon, blue-and-white, and Buncheong ware—and Korean paintings that transform SAM’s holdings in this area. The exhibition is guest curated by Hyonjeong “HJ” Kim Han, the Joseph de Heer Curator of Asian Art at the Denver Art Museum.
Small flat celadon glazed inlaid bottle, 12th century, Korean, celadon glaze, 2 1/2 x diameter: 4 1/2 in. (6.4 x 11.4 cm), Bequest of Frank S. Bayley III, 2023.11.192. Photo: Scott Leen.