Revere Auctions is honored to present selections from the estate of Dr. Robert Jacobsen, former curator of Asian Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, alongside our Semi-Annual Asian Art & Decor auction. The auction features his collection of ceramics, slides, and his academic library. Alongside a variety of Asian works of art. From imperial porcelain and woodblock prints to Buddhist bronzes, scholars’ objects, and contemporary netsuke.
Dr. Robert D. Jacobsen (1944-2021) was a distinguished curator and scholar renowned for his contributions to Asian art. Born and raised in Roseville, Minnesota, Jacobsen developed an early interest in art, woodworking, architecture, and photography. He earned a bachelor’s degree in art history in 1968, a master’s in art history in 1971, and a Ph.D. in Asian art history with a minor in Chinese language and literature in 1984, all from the University of Minnesota. His lifelong passion for Asian art was ignited during a chance visit to Japan, leading him to two research residencies at the National Palace Museum in Taiwan.
In 1977, Jacobsen became the founding curator of Asian art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). Over a 33-year tenure, he transformed Mia’s Asian art collection from 900 pieces to over 14,500 objects, including significant acquisitions such as a 400-year-old Ming dynasty reception hall and a Qing dynasty scholar’s study from 1797.
His collaboration with museum trustees Bruce and Ruth Dayton was instrumental in expanding the museum’s holdings, elevating Mia to one of the world’s leading repositories of Chinese art.
Bruce & Ruth Dayton with Robert & Patricia Jacobsen at MIA Gala
Jacobsen authored more than 30 books, curated over 40 exhibitions, and delivered over 400 public lectures during his career, sharing his expertise and passion for Asian art with diverse audiences. He also curated a groundbreaking retrospective for Chinese artist Wucius Wong, which was one of the first exhibitions in the United States for a contemporary, living, Chinese artist.
Jacobsen authored more than 30 books, curated over 40 exhibitions, and delivered over 400 public lectures during his career, sharing his expertise and passion for Asian art with diverse audiences.
He also curated a groundbreaking retrospective for Chinese artist Wucius Wong, which was one of the first exhibitions in the United States for a contemporary, living, Chinese artist.
Revere Auctions is honored to play a part in his legacy. The lots sold in our May 2025 auction offer a captivating glimpse into his remarkable Asian art collection and research library. Over the course of his travels and career, he collected extensively across the arts of Thailand, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and beyond.
His comprehensive research library reflected the breadth of his scholarly pursuits and deep passion for his life’s work. Highlights include a wide array of Asian ceramics, an extraordinary collection of over 10,000 research and teaching slides, works by Wucius Wong, and an impressive selection of textiles from Persian rugs to Japanese kimonos.
Highlights include a wide array of Asian ceramics, an extraordinary collection of over 10,000 research and teaching slides, works by Wucius Wong, and an impressive selection of textiles from Persian rugs to Japanese kimonos.
Visit The Gallery Auction Preview
May 12 – 16 | 10 AM – 4 PM
May 17, Saturday | 10 AM – 2 PM
May 19 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Chinese Han Dynasty Lacquer Offering Tray Table
Chinese Minority Miao Headdress
Dr. Robert Jacobsen Asian Art Slide Archive
Large Han Dynasty Terracotta 24_ Dog Model
4 Khmer Betel Nut or Lime Containers
Burmese Kammavaca Gilt & Red Lacquer Manuscript
Chinese National Palace Museum Catalogs
Group Chinese Art History Books
Large Han Dynasty Mingqi Terracotta Rooster
Large Vietnamese Annamese Ceramic Peony Charger
Southeast Asian Arts & Culture Books
Thai Sukhothai Period Terracotta Garuda Oil Lamp