Catalog (337)

1996 Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 28 x 14 inches, 71 x 35 cm. Painting: 23.5 x 9.5 inches, 60 x 24 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

1999 Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 28 x 14 inches, 71 x 35 cm. Painting: 23.5 x 9.5 inches, 60 x 24 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Zen Dragon II painted in 1975 by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Ink on paper. Frame: 38.5 x 20.5 inches, 98 x 52 cm. Painting: 34 x 16 inches, 86 x 41 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

The Only Antique Korean Painting of "Buddha with the Sun and Moon Spirit" Ever Offered for Sale outside of Korea. And perhaps the only 18th century Korean painting with this subject matter ever offered anywhere. Exceedingly Rare and Beautiful. The pair of deities seated at the front of the painting from right to left are the Spirits of the Sun (Ilgangcheonja) and the Moon (Weolgangcheonja). They are known collectively as Ilweol Sinjang. The celestial orbs are in their crowns and overhead. The Sun Spirit's sunlight scatters darkness and misfortune and brings prosperity. The Moon Spirit relieves people's anxiety with moonlight. Buddha is attended by boys (Dongja) on each side of him. Frame: 40 x 23.5 inches, 101 x 60 cm. Painting: 33.5 x 18 inches, 85 x 46 cm.

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).

A Cobalt-Blue Painted White Porcelain Incense Burner Joseon Dynasty 19th Century. A true treasure. A similar example recently sold at auction in Seoul for 1.5 million dollars. The cracks are not damage. They are original to the piece and happened during firing. The polyhedral incense burner set on a square four-leg foot, overall covered with underglaze cobalt blue paint, decorated in white porcelain low-relief of the Ten Signs of Long Life (Shipjaengsaeng) with finely incised details, the flaring square mouth rim in bamboo shape, two small handles each with a loop, applied with a lustrous transparent overglaze. 7 inches (18 cm.) high.

Fine and Rare Korean 19th Century Guardian Painting in Gold Leaf and Mineral Pigments on Silk in Excellent Condition with Vivid Colors. This would have hung on the door of a home to protect the household. This is the finest example of a door guardian painting we have ever seen. Frame: 22 x 10 inches, 56 x 25.5 cm; Painting: 19.5 x 7.5 inches, 50 x 19 cm.

The only authentic pair of 19th Century Korean paintings of Generals ever offered for sale. Such painted figures were popular guardians of business because of their two-thousand-year history as paradigms of victory and loyalty. This pair, because of its high quality, was undoubtedly commissioned by a prominent 19th century Korean merchant to bless, protect, and bring prosperity to their business. There would have been a shaman ritual at the consecration of this pair of paintings at the place of business. On the right is the legendary 3rd century General Kwan-u, instantly identified by his crane feather fan. He is attended by a boy (Dongja) serving him the mythical peaches of immortality. On the left is Janggun, the ancient mythological general. He is holding a military trident. There are many 20th century reproductions of these types of paintings. Authentic Joseon Dynasty examples like this exist only in museums. And even in museums, a pair like this is very rare. You can discern authenticity by the material and quality, such as fine hand-woven silk and mineral pigments that give warmth and depth and are vivid but not garish like modern chemical paints. The originals like this are valued not only for their superior artistry, but also for the connection they provide to the culture and spirituality of ancient authentic Korean shamanism. Much of modern Korean art and culture is rooted in shamanism. Its influence pervades Korean society, whether or not one is aware of it. This is not art for art’s sake. Within the broad realm of Korean folk art, shaman art expresses the deepest desires of the Korean people. That is why these wonderful creations speak so directly to persons of all persuasions, even today. Frame: 40 x 26 inches, 102 x 66 cm. Painting: 34.5 x 20.5 inches, 88 x 52 cm.

The last rare Joseon Dynasty Munjado-Chaekgeori combination screen offered for sale was a decade ago at auction. It will likely be at least that long until you see another, if you ever see one for sale again at all. Even most museums have been unable to find one to acquire. The Cleveland Museum has a fine example. This rare combination of Munjado and Chaekgeori was painted only in the Gangwon Province. Munjado screens have eight pictorial ideographs depicting the Eight Confucian Virtues: Hyo (Filial Piety), Je (Fraternity), Chung (Loyalty), Shin (Trust), Ye (Propriety), Ui (Justice), Yeom (Integrity), and Chi (Conscience). Unique to Korean munjado screens are paintings of various creatures that since ancient times have symbolized the virtue they accompany here. Confucian values were regarded as the cornerstones of Korean society and Munjado screen paintings representing them were used as daily reminders to observe the Eight Virtues. Chaekgeori screens feature scholarly accoutrements such as books and writing tables, brush pots and scrolls, fans, along with items that would adorn the scholar's study such as potted flowers and plants, and fruit in bowls. Within the Confucian society of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), scholars were highly respected and Chaekgeori screens were typically displayed behind the desk in a study to convey an air of dignity, luxury, and a reverence for scholarship. These screens were also intended to instill these values in the children of the household. Ink and colors on paper. Total dimensions: 65 x 140 inches, 165 x 356 cm. Each painting: 65 x 17.5 inches, 165 x 44.5 cm.

Rare 19th Century Palanquin. There has never been one offered for sale before and it is unlikely you will ever see another one again. The exquisite wood carving on all sides features ancient symbolism of prosperity and longevity. 34h x 28w x 81d inches with poles, 86h x 71 x 206 cm with poles.

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.

Just about every major museum in the world with a Korean gallery collects the work of Young Sook Park. And now you have a rare opportunity to acquire one of her beautiful masterworks for much less than the gallery prices. Width: 21 inches (53 cm), Height: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm).

Just about every major museum in the world with a Korean gallery collects the work of Young Sook Park. And now you have a rare opportunity to acquire one of her beautiful masterworks for much less than the gallery prices. Width: 5.5 inches (14 cm), Height: 3.5 inches (9 cm).

Just about every major museum in the world with a Korean gallery collects the work of Young Sook Park. And now you have a rare opportunity to acquire one of her beautiful masterworks for much less than the gallery prices. Width of each plate: Plate 1 is 12.5 inches (31.75 cm), Plate 2 is part of a set of seven and is 10 inches (25.5 cm), Plate 3 is part of a set of seven and is 11 inches (28 cm).

Rare and Fine 19th Century Korean Chaekjang Book Chest. You may never see another like this for under $10,000! 33w x 26.5h x 12d inches, 84w x 67.5h x 30.5d cm.

Rare 19th Century Korean Kyeongsang Scholar's Study Desk with Persimmon Drawers. Simple and elegant in keeping with the scholar's aesthetic. The upturned ends keep scrolls and writing materials from rolling off the desk. 27 x 12 x 11 inches, 68.5 x 30.5 x 28 cm.

Rare 19th Century Korean Hyangsang Small Desk and Table with Drawer. Hyangsang were altar stands for the family home altar. Hyangsang (aka Hyangnosang or Hyangtak) are so scarce that this is the only one we have ever been able to acquire in our twenty years in business. 16w x 15.5h x 11.5d inches, 41w x 39h a 29d cm.

The inkstone box was a Korean scholar's most treasured item. He spent more waking hours with this item than with any other. This inkstone box is a rare incised example with lovely clouds and cranes who bring blessings, good news, and happiness. It was ranked the most senior bird by Confucian scholars and thought a noble role model. The crane is also a longevity symbol and when they are paired like this, it is a symbol of eternal love and happy marriage. The four items kept in this box-- inkstone, brush, ink, and paper--were called the scholar's four friends. 16.5 x 11.5 x 10.25 inches, 42 x 29 x 26 cm.