Catalog (335)

Rare Joseon Dynasty Small Inlaid Silver Iron Box with Gorgeous Floral Designs, with two compartments. A fine and one-of-a-kind 19th Century Korean collectible. 3.75 x 2.25 x 1.5 inches, 9.5 x 6 x 4 cm.

Rare Korean Black Lacquered Arrow Case (Quiver) of bamboo with a design of grapes, peonies, and ferns. Length: 40 inches, 101.5 cm.

Rare Pair of Large Painted Korean Funeral Bier Panels imbued with syncretic symbolism, with painted lotuses that are profound symbols in Buddhism of rebirth and purity, and attached painted Taoist pullocho, the mythical longevity plant, projecting in in a row from the front, all used in the service of a Shamanist funeral ritual. A fine, rare and striking example of old Korean folk art, and a great example of the traditional Korean open-mindedness and blending of religious faiths. 86 inches (118.5cm) long x 8 inches (20.5cm) tall.

Rare Antique Korean Funerary Figure (Kkokdu) with much of its original pigment still intact. From a renowned and published New York collection. One of the finer examples we have seen. 11.5 inches, 29.5 cm.

Rare Large 19th Century Silver-Inlaid Iron Box with Exquisite Floral Design and Stylized Taeguk (Yin/Yang symbol) with Key Fret Border and Double Happiness Symbols. Silver-inlaid iron boxes are usually smaller than this rare large example. The floral design is also more detailed here than what we usually see, altogether making for a deluxe item. The condition is not perfect and is commensurate with the age of the item, and actually adds to the beauty and storied history of what must have been an extraordinary gift 150 years ago and a unique presentation item today. Perfectly proportioned at 6 x 4 x 4 inches, 15 x 10 x 10 cm.

Rare Large Joseon Dynasty 19th Century Korean Medicine Chest, Yakjang. Reproductions of Joseon Dynasty medicine chests are popular. Now you have a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic one that was used in a genuine historical and cultural context by a traditional Korean doctor in the 19th century. 42.75w x 38.75h x 15.5d inches, 108.5w x 98.5h x 39.5d cm.

Rare, Museum Quality 19th Century Medicine Chest (Yakjang) with Paulownia Doors. This is the finest work of Korean antique furniture we have ever offered, and likely the only example of this type anywhere outside of Korea. Antique medicine chests with doors are extremely rare even in Korea, and this is probably the best known condition among the very few left. Each drawer has the name of the medicine inscribed on it. Perfectly proportioned at 100 x 75 x 33 cm, 39.5 x 29.5 x 13 inches.

Rare Old Korean Map with Beautiful Topographic Detail of Korea's many mountain ranges. The list of kings at the bottom ends with Sukjong, whose reign ended in 1720. It also has a list of distances from various places to the capital, and mileage charts of distances between various locations. Map: 42 x 24 inches, 106.5 x 61 cm; Frame: 59 x 30.25 inches, 150 x 77 cm.

This gorgeous Ichung-nong (Korean Two Unit Stacked Chest) is a rare early piece (mid 19th Century) that has aged to a warm rich hue that is nothing short of a heartwarming and rare treasure to behold. It is a beautiful effect that could never be even closely duplicated with new wood. The finishing process involved singing the wood with a hot iron to both darken it and draw out the resin, and then using straw to rub pinesoot into the grain to further darken it and simultaneously seal the pores and prevent drying, and finishing it with a light pineseed oil finish. A further air of mystery and dignity is given by the very long aging process itself. It is constructed of pine and a rare strain of paulownia with maple door and drawer panels, a rare and luxurious touch on a Korean chest, evidence that this piece was owned by a wealthy family. Furthermore, 'nong' chests were owned by upper-class families who would have observed the distinction between 'nong', which were intended for long-term storage, and the 'chang' type of chests which were for short-term storage. Much of the ironwork is in the shape of stylized floral motifs. The drawers are adorned with lovely Heavenly Peach drawer pulls of iron. The fruit of the mythical Heavenly Peach tree ripens only once every three thousand years and is eaten by the immortals when they gather for their feast at Yao Lake at the the abode of Sohwangmo, the Queen Mother of the West. A further nice historical and cultural touch on an already wonderful, one-of-a-kind piece. 54h x 35w x 14d inches, 137h x 89w x 35.5d cm.

Rare and Sublime Painted Porcelain Vase by Korean Buddhist Monk Su An Sunim (born 1940) depicting children. It has a warm, creamy slip-painted surface. This is the only ceramic art by Su An Sunim we have ever seen offered for sale. The recent exhibition of Su An Sunim's paintings 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, Su An Sunim's more common works sold for higher prices than we are asking for this rare painting on porcelain by the internationally renowned master. Four wall labels with prices from that exhibition are posted here. Height: 15 inches, 38 cm.

We have been trying since we opened 18 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 an orchids painting and it 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 for the first time a 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 sweeping strokes to quietly rendered details. 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. 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, and Kim Gyu Jin is unanimously regarded as one of the best. Ink on paper. Scroll Mounting: 79 x 20.5 inches (201 x 52 cm), 54 x 13.5 inches (137 x 34 cm).

A Rare Pair of Batik, Sun and Moon by Malaysian artist, Chuah Siew Teng, eldest son of the most famous batik artist of all time, Chuah Thean Teng, the creator of modern batik painting. Chuah Siew Teng is now widely recognized as the greatest living batik artist. He rarely, if ever, created a pair of paintings to be sold as a pair, so this pair is very rare as well as exquisitely beautiful. Purchased directly from the artist in 1977. Frame: 30.25 x 23 inches, 77 x 58.5 cm; Batik: 23 x 17.5 inches, 58.5 x 44.5 cm.

Rare Pair of Boxes for Storing a Scholar's Name Seals, with Lovely Wood Grain and Metalwork. A scholar's name seals were among his most personal and treasured items. 6h x 5w x 5d inches, 15h x 12.5w x 12.5d cm.

The three porcelain plates by Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001) that we offer here on our website are the only ceramics by the revered master that we have seen offered for sale. They were all acquired from the same collection and are sublime examples of his unique style. Don't miss this rare opportunity to acquire a piece in this lustrous medium by one of Korea's most famous artists. Village Along the Mountain River: 14 inches (35.5 cm) wide, 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep. In Korea, a rendering of a mountain and river (called Sansu in Korean) has for centuries been thought of as more than a beautiful landscape; it is also a profound philosophical and spiritual statement. Heaven, Earth, and Humanity are represented, by the mountain, river, and human figures, respectively.

The three porcelain plates by Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001) that we offer here on our website are the only ceramics by the revered master that we have seen offered for sale. They were all acquired from the same collection and are sublime examples of his unique style. Don't miss this rare opportunity to acquire a piece in this lustrous medium by one of Korea's most famous artists. Lotus Blossoms, Ducks, and Fish: 14 inches (35.5 cm) wide, 2 inches (4 cm) deep with lipped rim. This image is filled with ancient and profound symbolism. The lotus represents purity and rebirth, because it rises above the muck of the pond to show its face to the Sun. The ducks symbolize eternal faithfulness, because it was believed ducks mated for life. The fish is a symbol of tireless dedication and constant vigilance, because fish never close their eyes, even when they are sleeping.

The three porcelain plates by Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001) that we offer here on our website are the only ceramics by the revered master that we have seen offered for sale. They were all acquired from the same collection and are sublime examples of his unique style. This one is on a tall attached porcelain pedestal. Don't miss this rare opportunity to acquire a piece in this lustrous medium by one of Korea's most famous artists. Rooster and Plum Blossoms: 13.5 inches (34.5 cm) wide, 5.5 inches (14 cm). The rooster is sacred in Korean culture. It is often featured in art and used as a good luck and guardian figure to bless and protect the home. Because it is believed the rooster's morning cry drove away the night's evil spirits, it is an important talisman. The rooster’s comb symbolizes intelligence; traditional officials’ hats are based on the comb. The claws represent strength. There is a museum in Seoul devoted entirely to chicken and rooster art. The beautiful plum blossoms here are a symbol of courage, because they bloom early, before winter is finished.

Rare Red Lacquered Inkstone Box of Drawers adorned with ancient symbolism: bullocho (mythical longevity plant) lock plates, bat (symbol of happiness) drawer pulls, and swallowtail (symbol of beauty) braces. The inkstone box was a Korean scholar's most treasured item. He handled it every day, when he would take out the contents to write and paint. The lid opens to reveal the compartment for the inkstone. The drawers hold the brush, ink, and paper. Together these, with the inkstone, are the "scholar's four friends." An inkstone box in royal red lacquer is exceedingly scarce. 11.5 D x 9.75 H x 8.25 W.

A Rare Tour-de-Force Masterpiece Ten-Panel Painting by the Renowned 19th Century Korean Royal Court Artist Yang Ki Hun aka Sukyeon (1843-1898). This is the first Yang Ki Hun screen painting offered for sale outside of Korea in many years, and it is arguably the best of them. We have here the most renowned of the 19th Century Korean royal court painters demonstrating his mastery and artistry in all of the most revered scholar's motifs. The few other screens of his we have seen in the market over the years were limited to one motif for the entire screen. Each of the ten paintings in this screen is a different motif, but the master brings unity to the entire composition as well with a consistent visual flow that naturally leads the eye from one masterpiece painting to the next. These paintings are unmounted and ready to be framed or mounted onto a screen or rolled up, stored and conserved for their artistic, historical, and cultural value. Each painting is 48.5 x 11.5 inches (123.5 x 29 cm). Ink on paper. The fourth photo here shows the market price for individual Yang Ki Hun paintings and should give you an idea of how very attractive the price is on this set of ten paintings.