August 6 – September 23, 2026 | South Gallery

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During the mid-20th century, Asian-inspired furnishings became increasingly popular in American homes. Through import shops, department stores, and furniture retailers, families incorporated decorative screens, lamps, paintings, ceramics, and textiles that reflected an appreciation for Asian artistic traditions.

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The objects in this collection illustrate how global design influences became part of everyday home interiors. While many of these pieces were created for the American market rather than collected directly abroad, they reveal the era’s fascination with craftsmanship, rich color, elegant forms, and imagery inspired by Asian landscapes, figures, and decorative motifs.

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These diverse pieces were collected by Evelyn Scarborough Linebery as she made extensive renovations to the two-story Scarborough House in the 1940’s -1960’s.