Catalog (350)

Rare and Grand Eight-Panel Chaekgeori Still-Life Screen painting on All-Original Mounting. Chaekgeori literally translates to "books and things," and the things are scholar's accoutrements. It is rare to find such an old and important screen on its original silk and wood mounting. They are usually remounted. So this is a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition opportunity for a serious connoisseur of fine art and Korean culture. This genre of painting is uniquely Korean and was created by King Jeongjo in 1791. The shelves of the painting are adorned with books and objects collected from other countries, illuminating the ideas of the erudite and cosmopolitan scholar. The spatial illusion of reverse perspective used in early examples of chaekgeori is masterfully rendered here. This screen inspired the pursuit of knowledge and reverence for cultural values in the many ritual ceremonies at which it was employed over the decades. 141 x 60 inches, 358 x 152 cm.

Fine and Rare Eight-Panel Painting by Revered Korean Artist Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921) mounted on a silk screen. Similar to the Kim Eung Won screen in the royal Changdeok Palace. Orchids are an ancient Korean symbol of purity, modesty, and virtue. The rock symbolizes eternity, so the combination of orchids and rock have the meaning of eternal adherence to principle. The orchid grows in remote places, but its fragrance spreads over the land, just as the scholar often works in isolation, but through their scholarly and ethical works their influence is felt throughout the land. Talented painters of orchids were and still are held in the highest regard. Though Daewongun (Prince Yi Ha Eung) is often cited as the greatest painter of orchids, most scholars now agree it was Kim Eung Won who was creating many of the paintings for which Prince Daewongun took credit and which Daewongun signed. Daewongun was, of course, a great painter of orchids, but most agree now that Kim Eung Won may deserve the title of greatest. His paintings sell for a fraction of the price of Daewongun's paintings, at least for now. That can be expected to change as the general public catches up with the scholarship on the subject. The fifth photo here is of the only other mounted Kim Eung Won screen ever offered for sale. It sold in Korea. The "sale" price is almost double the price we are asking here. Ours is the only mounted Kim Eung Won screen ever offered for sale outside of Korea. Ink on paper. Total Dimensions: 137.5 x 72 inches, 350 x 182.5 cm. Each Painting: 47 x 13 inches, 120 x 33 cm. (A much smaller and single Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

19th Century Royal Court Artist Jo Jung Muk (조중묵 趙重默) aka Un Gye (운계(雲溪) (1820-1894) created several paintings that are iconic in Korea, including Korea's government designated National Treasure Portrait of King Taejo painted in 1872 (see fourth photo here), Portrait of King Cheoljong in the National Palace Museum painted in 1861 (see fifth photo here), and Ancestral Grave on Inwangsan Mountain in the National Museum of Korea painted in 1868 (see third photo here). This unmounted six-panel screen of nature paintings is only the second screen by Jo Jung Muk ever offered for sale anywhere in the world. The first one sold at auction in Korea. All of his other screens are in major museum collections.

19th Century Royal Court Artist Jo Jung Muk (조중묵 趙重默) aka Un Gye (운계(雲溪) (1820-1894) created several paintings that are iconic in Korea, including Korea's government designated National Treasure, Portrait of King Taejo, painted in 1872 (see fifth photo here), and Portrait of King Cheoljong in the National Palace Museum painted in 1861 (see sixth photo here), and Ancestral Grave on Inwangsan Mountain in the National Museum of Korea painted in 1868 (see fourth photo here). This painting and the screen offered on our site are the only paintings by Jo Jung Muk ever offered for sale outside of Korea. It is almost certain you will never see another. This painting of a rooster and a pair of chicks features the vibrant, inimitable brushwork that made Jo Jung Muk famous. Because it was believed that the rooster's morning cry drove away the night's evil spirits, they are a sacred icon in Korean art. The rooster’s comb symbolizes intelligence; traditional officials’ hats are based on the comb. The rooster's claws symbolize strength. Frame: 23.5 x 19.5 inches (60 x 49.5 cm), Painting: 17.5 x 13.5 inches (44.5 x 34 cm).

Very Rare 19th Century Korean Officer's Sword with Dragon Hand Guard. There are only a couple hundred Joseon Dynasty swords in existence and they are rarely offered for sale. Most were destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 19th and early 20th century. Total length: 40 inches, 101 cm.

Exceedingly Scarce Joseon Dynsasty Korean Porcelain Lamp, the first one ever offered outside of Korea. It is unlikely you will ever see another one offered for sale. A similar one recently sold at auction in Korea for $7000. Reference photos are posted here. 10.5 inches, 26.6 cm tall.

Rare 19th Century Korean Wooden Lacquered Chopstick Holder. The front panel features a carved lozenge shape, an ancient symbol of the Seven Treasures: silver, gold, coral, lapis lazuli, agate, seashell, and amber. The top is carved into the shape of the mythical bullocho longevity plant. It has an iron ring for hanging and displaying. 12.5h x 4w x 2.5d inches, 32 x 10 x 6.5 cm.

Early 20th Century Lacquered Personal Dining Table from Haeju, Korea (Haeju Soban) with an elegant design of a key-fret apron and the ancient Korean legend of the carp swimming upstream and up the waterfall to successfully transform into a dragon and fly into the skies. Images of this story were displayed in children's rooms to encourage them to succeed in their studies and aspirations. 19.25w x 16h x 14d inches, 49 x 41 x 35.5 cm.

Rare 19th Century Korean Gilded Bronze Military Rank Badge with traces of gold. This badge was worn on a high-ranking military officer's hat, as shown in the third photo here. It was acquired in Seoul in 1946. 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). Frame: 8.5 x 8.5 inches, 21 x 21 cm).

Rare and Slightly Subversive 19th Century Korean Painting of the Medicine Buddha, Yak Bul, seated on a lotus blossom throne and accompanied by an attendant. A strategically placed phallic ginseng emerges from the center of his robe in a reference to its legendary powers of virility. The attendant stares directly at it as a form disguised in his garment emerges straight up from the center of his body, as well, while he holds his fan erect. At the time, state censors regulated publicly displayed paintings like this one. But this artful artist got this one past some less-observant censors. He had some sneaky fun creating a benevolent Buddha with an uncommonly sly grin blessing and inspiring eager couples who shared his sense of humor. Ink and colors on traditional hanji paper. Frame: 36 x 24 inches (91.5 x 61 cm), Painting: 29.5 x 18.5 inches (75 x 47 cm).

You rarely see 19th Century Korean tiger paintings offered for sale anymore. When they do come up in auctions now, they sell for more than we are asking here. That's because there is nothing anywhere like Joseon Era Korean tiger folk paintings. Tigers in Korean paintings are not ferocious. They are humorous and full of personality. And each one is unique, like this fellow here being addressed by the magpie. This was a favorite symbol of the common folks and represented the people speaking truth to power. The pine tree is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. Ink and colors on traditional old hanji paper. Korean tiger folk paintings are never signed. 30.75 x 30 inches (78 x 76 cm).

Painting of Peonies by Park No Soo aka Nam Jeong (1927-2013). Just the first page of a google search reveals both the acclaim that Park No Soo gained internationally, and the adoration he received in Korea. His style and palette is instantly recognizable. Here, the flowers are so vibrant they seem to be moving. This beautiful, contemplative painting is a fine example of his inimitable, expressive brushwork. The peony, with its large and abundant petals, is an ancient symbol of love and prosperity in Korea. The Park No Soo Museum opened in 2013 in Seoul's Jongno District, Jongno's first public museum. Park No Soo was a student of Yi Sang Beom, who was a student of An Jung Sik, who was a student of Jang Seung Eop, the very best possible lineage of Korean art royalty. Watercolors and ink on paper. Frame: 26.5 x 22 inches, 67 x 56 cm; Painting: 20 x 15.5 inches, 51 x 39 cm.

The Famous Mad Monk Jung Kwang Sunim's Largest Zen Crane Painting. Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002) of Jeju Island. This is the largest painting by Jung Kwang we have ever seen. The third photo here is from a prominent dealer's "sale" going on right now on Jung Kwang paintings, where you will see the prices are several times higher than mine for smaller paintings. This other gallery has been in business for over forty years and has sold to many of the major museums. A google search of Jung Kwang Mad Monk will reveal the fascinating life of this character, and you'll find this movie about him (http://www.piff.org/eng/html/archive/arc_search_view.asp?idx=1314&target=search&c_idx=18&m_entry_year=2002) and this exhibition at the Seoul Art Center (http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110807000244) and this book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mad-Monk-Paintings-Lancaster-Miller/dp/0895810174) and more. He and his work have been featured on CNN, PBS, NHK, and other major broadcasters. He was a famous monk, artist, poet, and actor. His unique paintings are instantly recognizable by their zen approach to form and color. Please look closely at this painting to get a sense of the spiritual quality of the artist's brushwork. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity. It has further symbolic meaning in Buddhism. The bodhisattvas change themselves into cranes so that they can fly all over the world visiting and helping people. The buyer of this fine painting will receive a PDF file compilation of Jung Kwang Sunim's poems, and a bio. You'll laugh and cry when you read "Zen Poems 1". The recent exhibition of Jung Kwang Sunim's work at the Zen Buddhist Temple in New York City was the most highly-attended exhibition ever presented by the Korean Art Society. At that exhibition, Jung Kwang Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. The fourth photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2500 for a painting of similar style and smaller size by Jung Kwang Sunim. Ink and color on paper. Frame: 37 x 36 inches (94 x 91.5 cm), Painting: 25.5 x 24 inches (65 x 61 cm).

Zen Painting of Crane Under Moon by the Famous Korean Jeju Island Monk, Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002). Mounted on a beautiful midnight blue silk scroll. The third photo here is from a prominent dealer's "sale" going on right now on Jung Kwang paintings, where you will see the prices are several times higher than mine. This other gallery has been in business for over forty years and has sold to many of the major museums. A google search of Jung Kwang Mad Monk will reveal the fascinating life of this character, and you'll find this movie about him (http://www.piff.org/eng/html/archive/arc_search_view.asp?idx=1314&target=search&c_idx=18&m_entry_year=2002) and this exhibition at the Seoul Art Center (http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110807000244) and this book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mad-Monk-Paintings-Lancaster-Miller/dp/0895810174) and more. He and his work have been featured on CNN, PBS, NHK, and other major broadcasters. He was a famous monk, artist, poet, and actor. His unique paintings are instantly recognizable by their zen approach to form and color. Please look closely at this painting to get a sense of the spiritual quality of the artist's brushwork. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity. It has further symbolic meaning in Buddhism. The bodhisattvas change themselves into cranes so that they can fly all over the world visiting and helping people. The moon is also an ancient symbol of longevity in Korea. The buyer of this fine painting will receive a PDF file compilation of Jung Kwang Sunim's poems, and a bio. You'll laugh and cry when you read "Zen Poems 1". The recent exhibition of Jung Kwang Sunim's work at the Zen Buddhist Temple in New York City was the most highly-attended exhibition ever presented by the Korean Art Society. At that exhibition, Jung Kwang Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. The fourth photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2500 for a painting of similar style and slightly smaller size by Jung Kwang Sunim. Ink and color on paper. Silk Scroll: 43 x 19.5 inches (109 x 49.5 cm), Painting: 24.5 x 13 inches (62 x 33 cm).

A Large, Rare, and Major Work of Ceramic Art by Korea's Most Famous Monk, Jung Kwang. A Tall Painted Porcelain Vase with a Zen Painting of a Crane Under the Moon by the Famous Korean Jeju Island Monk, Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002). There is a prominent New York dealer's exhibition going on right now of Jung Kwang's works, where you will see the prices are several times higher than mine. This other gallery has been in business for over forty years and has sold to many of the major museums. A google search of Jung Kwang Mad Monk will reveal the fascinating life of this character, and you'll find this movie about him (http://www.piff.org/eng/html/archive/arc_search_view.asp?idx=1314&target=search&c_idx=18&m_entry_year=2002) and this exhibition at the Seoul Art Center (http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110807000244) and this book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mad-Monk-Paintings-Lancaster-Miller/dp/0895810174) and more. He and his work have been featured on CNN, PBS, NHK, and other major broadcasters. He was a famous monk, artist, poet, and actor. His unique paintings are instantly recognizable by their zen approach to form and color. Please look closely at the painting here to get a sense of the spiritual quality of the artist's brushwork. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity. It has further symbolic meaning in Buddhism. The bodhisattvas change themselves into cranes so that they can fly all over the world visiting and helping people. The moon is also an ancient symbol of longevity in Korea. The buyer of this fine painting will receive a PDF file compilation of Jung Kwang Sunim's poems, and a bio. You'll laugh and cry when you read "Zen Poems 1". The recent exhibition of Jung Kwang Sunim's work at the Zen Buddhist Temple in New York City was the most highly-attended exhibition ever presented by the Korean Art Society. At that exhibition, Jung Kwang Sunim's works sold for multiples of the price we are asking here. Height: 15 inches, cm; Circumference: 42 inches, cm.

A Rare and Important Early Work by Korea's Leading Ceramic Artist, Shin Sang Ho (born 1947). The unique form is exquisite and the design sublime on this painted porcelain work of art. You will never find another like this. Signed and Dated 1979. Shin Sang Ho was Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Hongik University, and his work is in the permanent collections of many major museums, including the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Royal Ontario Museum, and many other museums throughout Korea, Asia, and the world. From Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth to Charles and Diana's wedding gift, when the presidents of Korea wish to present heads of state with a Korean work of art at first meetings and other important events, it is often a piece by Shin Sang Ho they choose for the occasion. There is a Shin Sang Ho Museum in Korea devoted to exhibiting the works of this artist's sixty-year career. Height: 11.25 inches, 28.5 cm; Circumference: 43 inches, 109 cm.

A Superior Example of a Rare 19th Century Korean Hwajodo Bird and Flower Painting filled with ancient symbolism. This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful hwajodo we have ever had. These paintings were never signed, but this anonymous artist possessed superior skill and artistry. The pair of cranes symbolize eternal love, because cranes were believed to mate for life. The peonies symbolize love and prosperity. The rocks symbolize eternity. So the two combine to grant the wish for eternal prosperous love. That theme is reinforced here by the mythical bullocho longevity plants. The exquisitely rendered pine tree here is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. And finally, the clouds are also a longevity symbol. So the entire composition represents a beautiful and eternal marriage guided by wisdom and love and filled with prosperity. Frame: 32 x 14 inches, 81 x 35.5 cm. Painting: 21 x 9 inches, 53.5 x 23 cm.

Very Rare Painted Wood 19th Century Korean Funerary Figure (Kkokdu). These are so rare that it has been twenty years since we last had one for sale. Kkokdu were guardian figures that were believed to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. They were burned after the funeral, so very few have survived. There are a couple of kkokdu museums in Korea that have acquired just about all of the remaining kkokdu. So don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a vital piece of Korean Joseon Era culture. Height: 10.25 inches, 26 cm.