Catalog (317)

Rare and beautiful late 19th Century painting of the Korean Mountain Spirit (Sansin) with a scarce sacred white tiger and boy attendant (Dongja) alongside a stream in an idyllic mountain landscape on finely handwoven silk mounted on a gold silk scroll. Sansin's tiger is the animal lord of the mountain and the messenger for Sansin and the enforcer of his will. The white tiger holds special meaning in Korea. It was believed that when a tiger survived challenges and attained wisdom, his fur turned white and he became a sacred spirit. The tiger is a national symbol of Korea and the white tiger was the mascot of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea. Very few antique Korean paintings with white tigers are in existence. The Dongja holds Sansin's wood staff, as gnarled as the pine tree under which he sits. The pine tree is a symbol of longevity and tenacity. In a country where most of the land is covered by mountains, it makes sense that Sansin the Mountain Spirit is the most revered of Korea's native deities. He is the god most often appealed to for fertility, prosperity, and longevity. This Sansin is a great example of the open-minded syncretism of ancient Korean belief. He is a deity of purely Korean Shamanist origin, crowned by a delicately painted Confucian hat, wearing a Buddhist robe, and being attended by a Dongja boy in a utopian Daoist mountain landscape. Sansin paintings can be found in the Sansin-gak shrine of Korean Buddhist temples. Gold silk mount: 59 x 31.5 inches (80 cm). Painting: 36.5 x 25.5 inches (93 x 65 cm).

Large 19th Century Painted Wood Sculpture of a Benevolent Scholar Administrator. Large-scale antique Korean wood sculpture is rare. This one is beautifully rendered with splendid attire and the compassionate face of the idealized scholar administrator. This is the type of sympathetic official written of in ancient fables and that one hoped to face when they had to plead their case. It is a wonderful example of emotion elicited from wood and paint by a talented anonymous artist. He is holding a peach which represents the abundant peach trees whose fruit provides longevity and sustenance in the Land of the Immortals who he calls upon for wisdom and guidance. The peach seed is an ancient symbol of benevolence. The word for kernel sounds the same as the word for benevolence or kind-heartedness, ideal qualities for a man in his position. 30.5 x 13.5 x 5.5 inches, 77.5 x 34 x 14 cm.

The peony is an ancient symbol of love and prosperity in Korea. We have been trying since we opened 19 years ago to acquire a Kim Gyu Jin painting, but they are all either stored in museums or firmly entrenched in private collections. His works are in the collections of the world's biggest museums, including the Metropolitan Museum and the British Museum. There is just one other one on the market, as shown in the last photo here. It is also a floral painting and is being offered by a retiring gallery owner for a price reduced from $9000.00 to a "sale" price of $6500.00. So it is with great pride that we offer here a beautifully framed Peony Painting by Korean Joseon Dynasty Royal Court artist Kim Gyu Jin. This painting is a fine example of the range of Kim Gyu Jin's brushwork, from dynamic strokes to radiant ink washes. Kim Gyu Jin aka Haegang (1868-1933) had a tremendous influence on Korean art through his paintings, the art organization he founded (Seohwa Hyeophoe Calligraphy and Painting Association), and his textbooks that became canon in art studies. He taught painting and calligraphy to King Gojong and to the crown prince and he was commissioned by King Sukjong to paint the murals at Changdok Palace. Ink on paper. Frame: 67 x 20.5 inches, 170 x 52 cm. Painting: 55 x 13.25 inches, 140 x 33.5 cm.

Orchids and Rocks Painting by Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921), beautifully framed. 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 last photo here is from a sale at another gallery where the prices on similar paintings by Kim Eung Won are several times higher than the price we are asking here for this fine painting. Ink on paper. Frame: 61.5 x 21 inches, 156 x 53 cm. Painting: 52 x 12.75 inches, 132 32.5 cm. (A much smaller Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

This is the only calligraphy by Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921) offered for sale anywhere. His skill was so revered that the prince Daewongun paid Kim Eung Won to paint many of the works for which the prince took credit. Ink on paper. Frame: 48 x 19 inches, 122 x 48 cm. Calligraphy: 37.5 x 13 inches (95 x 33 cm).

Rare Pair of Orchids and Rocks Paintings by Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921), beautifully framed. 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 last photo here is from a sale at another gallery where the prices on similar paintings by Kim Eung Won are several times higher than the price we are asking here for this fine and rare pair. Ink on paper. Each Frame: 61.5 x 18.5 inches, 156 x 47 cm. Each Painting: 48 x 12 inches, 122 x 30.5 cm. (A much smaller single Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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 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.

Exceedingly Scarce Joseon Dynasty 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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

Black Lacquered Mother of Pearl Table. This is a low table used in ancestor worship rituals. The gorgeous peony flower is a symbol of abundance and wealth. The delightfully rendered dokkaebi goblins that adorn each leg are guardians that chase away evil spirits. The clouds are symbols of Heaven, and the plum blossoms are symbols of courage. As you can see in the photo, there is some loss to one of the dokkaebi goblins, but this table is in otherwise amazing and excellent condition. 25w x 13d x 11.75h inches, 63.5w x 33d x 30h cm.