In one corner of the room, the art represents warrior culture, with a full suit of Samurai horseman's armor on display. These works are all part of the Arthur E. Klauser Asian and World Community Collection and were donated by Klauser, who graduated from DePauw in 1945. Klauser extensively studied the art of Asian nations, particularly Japan, and collected a sizable number of pieces from several countries. The museum was meant to provide a permanent place where the art could be viewed and protected. Security concerns began with the theft of a pair of Samurai swords from the Asbury display area.
Security is still an issue now that the collection has been moved.
The pieces, many of them freestanding and not behind glass, cannot be safely displayed without someone keeping an eye on visitors. The museum originally paid for a work-study student to watch the exhibits from its own funds, but a lack of money and student interest caused the position to be discontinued. Now the museum is periodically opened up for classes and guests, but sits closed most of the time. This Flower Cart Screen is a part of traditional house architecture. Student interest is a hurdle as well.