Why do our collections contain varied items from "Wonder Woman" to World’s Fair memorabilia? Because of the vision of book collectors.

Learn more about their passion in “Magnificent Obsessions”, now open iNational Museum of American Historyry: https://s.si.edu/2Siy0Ik

#SILObsessions

Diplomat William Woodville Rockhill immersed himself in Asian culture, design and religion. Along the way, he collected books and rare manuscripts that became integral parts of our Smithsonian's Freer Sackler Library.

Learn more about Rockhill's collection and the motivations of other important collectors in our "Magnificent Obsessions: Why We Collect" exhibition: https://s.si.edu/2H21g2Z

Image featured here: "Fo ding xin tuo luo ni jing", created in China, between 1644 and 1722. This early sutra depicts a young woman whose devotion to the sutra protects her and her children from a vengeful enemy.