Clarence Frank “Shang” Shangraw

1935-2004

Clarence Frank “Shang” Shangraw was one of the nation’s leading Asian art experts.  While his expertise extended to all aspects of Asian art, his authority regarding Ming porcelains was a critical factor in determining the landing of Francis Drake at what is now Point Reyes National Seashore.

Shangraw, affectionately known as Shang to many who knew him, was born in Burlington, Vermont. After graduating from high school, Shangraw enlisted in the U. S. Air Force where his commanders identified his language talents.

Image Courtesy of Asian Art Museum, San Francisco

Consequently, the Air Force sent him to Yale University where he learned Chinese. After this, Shangraw was posted to the National Security Agency as a language specialist and translator for the Air Force.  During his enlistment, Shangraw was also stationed in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Japan where he deeply immersed himself into Asian culture.  After receiving his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Shangraw enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degree.

In 1965, Shangraw began working at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, and 1966 he became the museum’s assistant curator.  In 1968, he was promoted to chief curator, a position which he held until his retirement in 1992.  When Shangraw retired, he was given the distinction of chief curator emeritus. Upon retiring, Shangraw continued to work in the Asian art realm as a consultant to Hong Kong’s Tsui Museum and the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas.  Across the course of his career, Shangraw authored several books and dozens of journal articles about Asian art.

As the 400th anniversary of Drake’s 1579 California landing approached, interest in Drake’s New Albion claim and encampment grew. Shangraw examined the hundreds of Ming porcelain sherds that had been collected at the Point Reyes region and was the first to determine that the sherds were from two distinct cargoes. These were cargoes which carried porcelains plainly belonging to two separate artistic eras and kiln facilities. Along with Edward Von der Porten’s work with the porcelains, this indicated that cargos were carried by Francis Drake’s Golden Hind and Sebastian Cermeño’s San Agustin.