The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has formally transferred ownership of 13 Khmer artworks to the Cambodian government. The transfer follows a unanimous decision by the Asian Art Commission, which governs the museum, after a request from Cambodia and a joint review with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
The returned objects include sculpted heads, stone images of deities, a stone lion, and carved architectural elements. Research by museum staff and Cambodian scholars, as well as findings from Homeland Security Investigations, indicated that these items were removed from Cambodia in violation of national laws and connected to networks associated with Douglas Latchford, an indicted antiquities trafficker. Cambodian authorities confirmed that no legal export permits were issued for these works.
Currently, the objects remain at the museum under temporary custody while formal loan agreements are being arranged with Cambodian officials. A preliminary agreement allows the artworks to stay on display at the Asian Art Museum on extended loan for two years.
“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.”
Dr. Lee also expressed gratitude toward all partners involved in resolving this matter: “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.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Lee stated: “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.”
The museum is located in San Francisco and houses more than 20,000 works spanning ancient jades to contemporary installations.
