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Dec 11, 2025
San Francisco, CA, December 11, 2025 — The Asian Art Commission, governing body of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, has unanimously approved the return of 13 Khmer artworks to Cambodia after a formal request from the Cambodian government and a joint review with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. A preliminary agreement with the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts allows for the objects to remain at the Asian Art Museum on extended loan, permitting the museum to continue sharing them with the public.
The 13 artworks, whose ownership has officially been transferred to the Cambodian government, include sculpted heads, stone images of deities, a stone lion, and important carved architectural elements.
The decision regarding the Cambodian works is based on extensive research by museum staff and Cambodian scholars, along with findings from a Homeland Security investigation. Evidence indicates the objects were removed from Cambodia in violation of national laws and were linked to networks associated with the late indicted antiquities trafficker Douglas Latchford. Cambodian authorities confirmed that no legal export permits were issued for these works.
The artworks are currently in the temporary custody of the museum Foundation as the museum works with Cambodian officials on formal loan agreements.
“Our role as stewards of cultural heritage demands rigor and transparency,” said Dr. Soyoung Lee, the Barbara Bass Bakar Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum.” This decision reflects careful research and close collaboration with our Cambodian colleagues. These returns reflect our commitment to addressing provenance concerns responsibly and strengthening international partnerships that honor the histories these artworks carry.”
The Asian Art Museum extends deep gratitude to the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Cambodian archaeologists, researchers, and the National Museum of Cambodia, provenance specialists and international partners, and the San Francisco City Attorney for the collaborative efforts in reaching this resolution.
Dr. Lee noted, “The Asian Art Museum remains committed to working with our Cambodian partners to preserve, study, and share Cambodia’s extraordinary cultural heritage. In fall 2026, we will present Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean, featuring the West Mebon Vishnu — the largest ancient bronze ever discovered in Cambodia and a masterpiece of the kingdom of Angkor.”
About the Asian Art Museum
Located in the heart of San Francisco, the museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian and Asian American art, with more than 20,000 awe-inspiring works ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Dynamic special exhibitions, cultural celebrations, and public programs for all ages provide rich art experiences that unlock the past and spark questions about the future.
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Pictured above: Nine deities, 1000-1100 (Cambodia), Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
