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.

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.

Jacobsen worked closely with Fred Wells, whose collection is also featured in this auction. Wells was born into a prominent Midwest grain family. He retired from the Peavey Company in 1976 at 48 years old to pursue his passion for Asian Art, earning a Master’s in East Asian History in 1980. He opened Asian Fine Arts gallery in Minneapolis in 1981, specializing in Asian ceramics, prints, and furniture. Wells was a longtime supporter and trustee of MIA. Alongside his wife, Ellen Wells, he supported the Department of Textiles and the museum’s newly established gallery of Korean art. In 2002, the Wells generously donated their large collection of Japanese prints, including his exceptional group of shin hanga works, which transformed MIA, extending the museum’s representation of Asian art. Robert and Frederick were good friends. Many of MIA’s acquisitions brought in by Jacobsen, in fact, came through Wells’ gallery first. Sadly, Wells passed away in 2005.

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.