Catalog (335)

Set of Four Wood-Fired Cups by Kim Young Mi. Dimensions of the largest cup: 6 inches wide x 3 inches high, (15cm wide x 7.5 cm high).

Seo Kuk Jin Korean Contemporary Marbleware Bottle

Seo Byung Ho was the recipient of the top prize in the 2009 World Ceramic Biennale, the highest paid ceramic art prize in the world. With this lovely pair of sculptural vases, Seo has combined the shape of a traditional vessel with the form of a fish, a symbol of eternal vigilance because the fish never closes its eyes. For the same reason, the fish is also a symbol of diligence that has long been a source of inspiration for Korean scholars, and is a common motif employed in scholar's implements. In the surface, color, and form of this delightful work, the Korean ceramic artist Seo Byung Ho shows why he is deserving of such top acclaim. 14.25 x 7.75 inches, 36 x 20 cm.

Scarce Joseon Dynasty Fish Form Silver Inlaid Iron Box Wonderfully Designed. The form and design are sublime and feature an exquisitely arranged silver inlaid face and fish scales. 6.5 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches, 16.5 x 6 x3 cm.

Blue and White Porcelain Memorial Tablet for Park Gi Il from Miryang, Korea, dated May 1830. It declares a long genealogy in the royal Min clan. This epitaph was written upon the passing of Park Gi Il of Miryang in May 1830. It memorializes him and lists his ancestors' names. An important piece of history and a rare and beautiful work of calligraphy painted with blue cobalt on white porcelain. 7.5 x 6 inches, 19 x 15 cm. framed

Rare Fan Painting by Renowned Buddhist Monk Artist Su An Sunim (born 1940) of a Crane Couple painted in 1997. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity and immortality. Because cranes were believed to stay with one mate for their lifetime, it is also a symbol of faithful love. When the crane is paired like this, the meanings of immortality and fidelity combine to mean eternal love. That sentiment is reinforced by the calligraphy. The recent exhibition of Su An 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, Su An Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. Ink and colors on paper. 19.5 x 14 inches, 50 x 36 cm. Two small tears in lower left side. The second photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2000.

Refined Inlaid Celadon Tea Bowl by the Last Korean Princess, Yi Bangja (1901 - 1989) with the original signed box. The glaze has the same prized celadon color and precise inlaid technique as that achieved by 12th century Korean potters. A Chinese philosopher of that period described Korean celadons as "The first under Heaven." The interior of the bowl features cranes flying in clouds (both longevity symbols) around a chrysanthemum in full bloom. The chysanthemum with its many petals is a symbol of abundant good fortune. Lovely chrysanthemums inlaid in black and white slip adorn the exterior of the bowl, as well. Diameter: 5.5 inches, 14 cm. Height: 3 inches, 7.5 cm. Part of a special and stunning collection we have acquired of ceramics created by one of Korea's most revered artists and beloved humanitarians. You now have the rare opportunity to own a beautiful work of art and an important piece of Korean history created by the last member of the royal household to reside in Korea's royal palace. Princess Yi Bangja devoted her entire life to the education of mentally and physically handicapped people, and worked tirelessly to support them. She is the subject of television and stage dramas, operas, movies, and books, including her autobiography, "The World is One."

Red Lacquered Safe with Beautiful Metalwork with auspicious symbols: a tortoise lock (symbol of longevity),peach drawer pulls (a symbol of longevity), the diamond-shaped Seven Treasures symbol, floral scrolls throughout, and the wan (the wheel of life and symbol of universal peace and harmony) is a symbol so ancient it actually predates Buddhism and originally represented the revolving sun. In Buddhism it represents the Heart of the Buddha, happiness, and resignation of spirit. 14.5d x 10w x 11h inches, 37d x 15.5w x 28h cm.

Rare Work of Munjado Calligraphy by Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001). Despite being deaf, Unbo was one of Korea's most beloved 20th Century artists. His works are now sought by museums and collectors internationally. In this original signed offset print, Unbo gives us a dynamic rendering of the ancient style of figurative munjado calligraphy. The bird leaping out of the center character adds powerful life to the piece. 25.5 x 19.5 inches, 65 x 50 cm.

Rare Type of Korean Antique Dining Table with Engraved Floral Scrolls and Calligraphy of Happiness and Long Life Characters. If you are interested, we can provide information on a very similar Korean table that recently sold at an auction in Korea for $4000. These types of tables are rare and much sought-after by collectors. The original natural oil finish has been buffed to a clear beautiful shine over many decades of buffing and cleaning, and is so much more attractive than the waxy chemical finishes on today's furniture. 36.5 x 20.5 x 11.5 inches, 92.75 x 52 x 29.25 cm.

Rare Two-sided Carved Image and Calligraphy on Light Zelkova Wood by the renowned Lee Nam Ho (1908-2001). The calligraphy translates to "The Way of Zen". The exotic zelkova wood itself is a work of art, with its luxurious grain and vigorous form. Lee Nam Ho has shaped the wood into a striking work of art adorned with strong and expressive calligraphy strokes on one side, and a stunning image of a man in traditional attire and the mythical divine Girin beast. A contemplative and rich work of art. You will not find another like it. 24 x 18 inches, 61 x 45.5 cm. Ready-to-hang with an iron hook and ring already installed on the top. This will display nicely and make a beautiful statement in the home or office.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.