Ofer Shagan has built up his collection by acquiring many existing older collections, insisting never to include items that were collected recently. As former antique dealer he has worked to bring to the world the finest works of many cultures, while preserving traditional cultural sites and allowing tribal art to remain in its native environment. 

Ofer Shagan has written and published five books in Japanese about his collection, including Tounar Ajia Bijutsu to Rekishi (South East Asian Art and History;2000) and Madumi Tai no Kasuri (Thai-Mudmee Textiles with Figures; 1998),as well as more then 300 articles in various fine art and antique magazines.

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