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Imperial Hotel and Villa.
May 6th, 1907.

Dear Colonel Hecker,

I have just found time to carefully examine the catalogue of the Horace N. Allen, catalogue of Korean Pottery, which came to me a few days ago and am now wiring you
"Please buy Allen Collection Corean pottery - sidecut".
From the descriptions given in the catalogue, I am sure that a large number of the specimens are extremely rare and interesting --- some probably unique. The better ones added to the pieces I already have, will place my collection of Corean pottery along with the best in existence. The price 5,000 for the 80 pieces is really low. All kinds of ancient pottery in Japan is (are) now fearfully dear -- old Chinese, old Corean and first class Japanese has doubled in price within twelve months. Everything else of thoroughly fine quality in the Fine Arts soars accordingly. I hope my cablegram will reach you in time to secure the collection.

I spent this afternoon with Mr. Masuda the richest collector of Japan and he invited a few other Japanese collectors to meet me. It was an extraordinary little event. You should have heard their congratulatory remarks concerning the manner in which I bought the Riviomin Rakans from under "our feet" as they put it. The loss of these famous sixteen paintings to Japan created great excitement and now they stand ready to make great sacrifice to get them back again. Fortunately for America, I could not return them even if I wanted --- they are in the Smithsonian lot. On Thursday next, I am to be entertained again by Mr. Masuda in meeting more of his Japanese friends and seeing deeper into his great "godown". Marquis Hachisuka entertained me yesterday at his ancestral daimyo county-place overlooking the sea, and by showing some of the finest Tosa makimono in Japan. He has offered me another day in his city home --- one of the most beautiful of all Japan. Ambassador Wright, whom I met at the White House, last year, is charming in his assistance and it now looks as if every collection imperial, daimyo, and national and ecclesiastic as well as those of private owners will be thrown open for my inspection. The refusal at Kioto museum has been fully atoned for. Now, my uncomfortable hours will be the result of the many treasures to be opened to my study which lack of time will force me to pass by unseen. A year's time at least would be wanted to see all.

If you secure the Allen Collection for me please issue my