Society for Asian Art

The Society for Asian Art is an independent nonprofit organization that provides programs on Asian art and culture and supports the Asian Art Museum.

Member Events

Sonoma Botanical Garden Tour

June 20, 2026

Put on your favorite walking shoes to join fellow SAA members in exploring Sonoma Botanical Garden in Sonoma. Our guide for this exclusive SAA tour will be Michael Wenzel, Chief […]

Study Group

The History and Development of Mongolian Calligraphy

July 18, 2026

This rare presentation of Mongolian art explores the rich evolution of Mongolian writing and calligraphic traditions, beginning with the Old Uyghur script from the time of Genghis Khan and its […]

Arts of Asia Lecture Series

Arts of Asia Fall 2026 Unknown Makers, Lasting Beauty: Rethinking Fine Art Across Asia

September 4, 2026

Of the thousands of objects in the museum’s collection, most were created by unknown makers. Many works are unsigned, and others have lost attribution over time. For generations, such pieces […]

Arts of Asia Lecture Series

Join the Society for Asian Art as we explore the concept of tradition in Asian art and culture with prominent scholars from across the country

Learn More

Fall 2024 Beyond the Familiar: A Deeper Look into the Asian Art Museum Collection

Our Programs

Arts of Asia Lecture Series

The Arts of Asia Lecture Series have served as the primary educational component of the Asian Art Museum docent training program. Each lecture series is organized around a theme chosen by the Instructor of Record and the Arts of Asia Committee. Prominent scholars and curators from across the country are invited to present the lectures.

Learn More

Yi Eungrok - Books and scholars’ possessions (chaekgeori)

Literature Courses

The literature courses typically consist of two to six sessions, each two hours in length. Recent subjects include Journey to the West, Chinese poet Qu Yuan, Ottoman Empire history and culture, the Old Testament, Japanese poetry, Chinese classical literature Jin Ping Mei, the Ramayana, Tale of Genji, and Hindu mythology.

Learn More

B60J619 Cup with Calligraphic Inscriptions

Member Events

The Society offers programs to members and the general public that broaden understanding of the scope of Asian art and culture. Many of these, such as the annual spring dinner, holiday party, and visits to galleries, are held outside the museum.

Learn More

Study Group

Study groups are typically full-day or half-day programs designed to offer in-depth study of a subject. Sometimes this involves hands-on demonstrations and evaluations of objects.

Learn More

Travel

We work with various tour operators to offer trips with outstanding scholars to international destinations, which focus on Asian art, art history, archaeology, and architecture. Recent international destinations include Thailand, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Scandinavia, Paris, and South India. We also organize domestic trips to Asian art exhibitions, events and private collections across the country.

Learn More

B81D33.3 The Heroine Chanda fanning her beloved, Laurak, under a tree, from a manuscript of the Chandayana

Upper Category Member Events

The Society puts together unique events exclusively for Upper Category Sponsors, Donors and Contributors. These events are typically limited in attendance and held in private homes.

Learn More

Latest News

Asian Art in Boston and Beyond Oct. 11 – 16, 2026 is Now Open for Reservations!

Join the Society for Asian Art on a tour to Boston, Cambridge and Salem to enjoy an astounding line-up of art collections and also glimpse the gorgeous fall foliage. We […]

Learn More

join our community

We provide interesting, educational, compelling and dynamic programs on Asian art and culture to our members and the public.

Become a member Donate