Catalog (354)

Pair of Cranes Painting and Poem by Korean Buddhist Monk Su An Sunim (born 1940). The crane is a 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. The flying-white brushwork and ink washes here display Su An Sunim's mastery of zen art at its best. 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. 27 x 14 inches, 69 x 35 cm. The second photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2000 for a similar painting. That painting is smaller than the Su An painting we are offering here.

Rare Framed Calligraphy by the Last Korean Princess, Yi Bangja (1901 - 1989). A beautiful piece of Korean history created by the last member of the royal household to reside in Korea's royal palace. Princess Yi Bangja is much beloved by the Korean people. She 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 dramas, stage dramas, operas, movies, and books, including her autobiography, "The World is One." This piece reads 위기지학 (ui-gi-ji-hak). It means "Learn for self-cultivation." In other words, don't get an education just so you can show off and gain riches; do it to develop character. Confucius said in the Analects, “People in ancient times learned in order to cultivate their own moral character. People today learn just to impress others.” Frame: 36.5 x 20 inches, 93 x 51 cm; Calligraphy: 26 x 11.5 inches, 66 x 29 cm.

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. 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 that it was Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921) who was painting many of the paintings for which 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. Ink on paper. Frame: 60.75 x 18.5 inches, 154 x 47 cm; Painting: 49 x 13 inches, 124.5 x 33 cm. (A much smaller Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

Very Large, Nearly Five-Feet-Wide Mountain and Waterfall by Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001) in it's original stunning frame. 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 and very large signed lithograph, Unbo gives us an inspiring depiction of blue-green mountains with a mountaintop lake and waterfall. Frame: 56.25 x 38.5 inches, 143 x 98 cm; Image: 44 x 26.5 inches, 111.5 x 67 cm.

Very Rare Carving and Painting of Orchids and Calligraphy on Zelkova Wood by Royal Korean Court Artist Kim Gyu Jin (1868 - 1933). 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. Kim was a founding member of Korea's highly influential and prestigious Calligraphy and Painting Association (Seohwa Hyeophoe) in 1918. His textbooks became canon in art studies in Korea. Kim Gyu Jin's works are in the collections of the world's biggest museums, including the Metropolitan Museum and the British Museum. This is the only example, outside of Korea, of a carving and painting on wood by the renowned master. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a collector with a keen eye. The wood itself is gorgeous. It is a fine zelkova with a striking wavy grain. There is no question Kim Gyu Jin chose this particular piece of wood for its beauty. Orchids are an ancient Korean symbol of purity, modesty, and virtue. It is a favorite subject of painters over the centuries, and talented painters of orchids were and still are held in the highest regard. This painting on wood comes ready to hang, with the original metal floral hooks and a lovely knotted rope still attached on the back. 21 x 10 inches, 53 x 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.

Rare Carved and Painted Calligraphy on Dark Zelkova Wood by the renowned Lee Nam Ho (1908-2001). The calligraphy translates to "May your happiness flow like a river." 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. A deep and rich work of art. One-of-a-kind. 19 x 19 inches, 48 x 48 cm. Ready-to-hang with hooks and rope already installed on the back. This will display beautifully and make a powerful statement in the home or office.

Extremely Rare Set of Three Mumun Pots from the 3rd Century BCE from the Koejongdong site in Daejon near the Geum River. A similar example from the National Museum of Korea can be seen in Plate 34 in The Prehistory of Korea by Kim Jeong-hak. Prehistoric Korean pottery is so scarce outside of museums, that this is the only time we have ever acquired any. According to Professor Choi Jong-taek of Korea University, these everted lipped pots with their distinctive color and texture date from the period in Korea when the Bronze Age was giving way to the Iron Age, and the Mumun pottery period was ending with these types of pots with a greater hardness and fired at a higher temperature than previous Mumun pots, that is, about 300 BCE. This was a brief but very important transitional period into higher technology and culture in Korea, from the the end of the Mumun Pottery Period to the beginning of the Iron Age, so pieces from this defining period are rare. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a collector. Dimensions from tallest to shortest are: #1 - 4 inches height x 11.5 inches circumference (10 cm height x 29 cm circumference); #2 - 3.5 inches height x 14 inches circumference (9 cm height x 35.5 cm circumference); #3 - 3 inches height x 12.5 inches circumference (7.5 cm height x 32 cm circumference).

Fine, Rare 19th Century Korean Inkstone Box with Tortoise-Form Handle and Deep, Dark Grain. Elegant form and deep color. The tortoise is an ancient symbol of steadfastness and longevity. The underside of his shell was believed to conceal the secrets of the universe. So this box would have held the same meaning to the one who used it. The black tortoise depicted here was the king of all tortoises, with extraordinary powers to protect one from evil. The inkstone box was a Korean scholar's most treasured item. He handled it every day, when he would take out his inkstone to begin writing or painting. This is a fine example with a rare form that must have been inspiring and contemplative for the original owner. 11 x 7.25 x 3.75 inches, 28 x 18.5 x 9.5 cm.

14th Century Korean Inlaid Celadon Cosmetic Box with a rich color right in the middle of the blue-green of the Goryeo Period and the gray-green of the Joseon Period. The chrysanthemum's many petals is an ancient symbol of an abundant life or fertility. Encircled with a key fret thunder pattern and rolling clouds motif. A rare and gorgeous piece. 3.25 inches wide x 1.75 inches high; 8.25 cm wide x 4.5 cm high.

Passion of Korea 1. Bojagi Korean Textile Art by renowned textile artist Hae Hong Chang. Chang's acclaimed bojagi have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. The Korean Art and Antiques website is the only online venue for her fine work. Made of ramie fabric. Hae Hong Chang is a Korea Bojagi Forum Recommended Artist. 14.5 x 12.5 inches, 37 x 32 cm.

Passion of Korea 2. Bojagi Korean Textile Art by renowned textile artist Hae Hong Chang. Chang's acclaimed bojagi have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. The Korean Art and Antiques website is the only online venue for her fine work. Hae Hong Chang is a Korea Bojagi Forum Recommended Artist. 17.5 x 16 inches, 44 x 40 cm.

Passion of Korea 3. Silk Bojagi Korean Textile Art by renowned textile artist Hae Hong Chang. Chang's acclaimed bojagi have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. The Korean Art and Antiques website is the only online venue for her fine work. Hae Hong Chang is a Korea Bojagi Forum Recommended Artist. 17.5 x 16 inches, 44 x 40 cm.

Passion of Korea 4. Silk Bojagi Korean Textile Art by renowned textile artist Hae Hong Chang. Chang's acclaimed bojagi have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. The Korean Art and Antiques website is the only online venue for her fine work. Hae Hong Chang is a Korea Bojagi Forum Recommended Artist. 22 x 20 inches, 55 x 50 cm.

Passion of Korea 5. Silk Bojagi Korean Textile Art by renowned textile artist Hae Hong Chang. Chang's acclaimed bojagi have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. The Korean Art and Antiques website is the only online venue for her fine work. Hae Hong Chang is a Korea Bojagi Forum Recommended Artist. 24 x 22 inches, 60 x 55 cm.

Passion of Korea 6. Silk Bojagi Korean Textile Art by renowned textile artist Hae Hong Chang. Chang's acclaimed bojagi have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. The Korean Art and Antiques website is the only online venue for her fine work. Hae Hong Chang is a Korea Bojagi Forum Recommended Artist. 22 x 20 inches, 55 x 50 cm.

Chinese Song Dynasty Jingdezhen Porcelain Dish from Fogg Museum and Toledo Museum. 4.25 inches wide x 1 inch high; 11 cm wide x 2.5 cm high.

19th Century Korean Porcelain Bowl with Thick Blue/White Glaze and a Beautiful Surface. Height: 3 inches, 7.5 cm; Circumference: 14 inches, 35.5 cm.