During Asian Art Week, as youse know, I visited the museums, galleries, art shows, and auction houses. I saw some splendid things everywhere, and I especially love the auction houses because you can get up close and personal with the art. Which I did; and a couple of times I wondered how, meaning whether, a piece was legitimately on the market. I mean, I've read my Eric Stone. But there the pieces were, big as life and bright as day, so I figured, well, okay then.

Not so okay. One of the pieces was this one. I remember it: vigorous, beautifully worked, and big. Sotheby's says it notified "a Cambodian minister" and heard no objection to the sale. They also say they had "an understanding" with the US Attorney's office. I guess the US Attorney's office didn't really understand, huh?

The whole re-patriation of art question is a fascinting one. For museums it presents one whole set of issues and implications; and for private collectors, another. Me, I'm just a (very) interested observer.