Catalog (42)

Framed Zen Crane Under the Moon Painting by the Famous Korean Jeju Island Monk, Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002). The third photo here is from a prominent dealer's "sale" going on right now on Jung Kwang paintings, where you will see the prices are several times higher than mine. This other gallery has been in business for over forty years and has sold to many of the major museums. A google search of Jung Kwang Mad Monk will reveal the fascinating life of this character, and you'll find this movie about him (http://www.piff.org/eng/html/archive/arc_search_view.asp?idx=1314&target=search&c_idx=18&m_entry_year=2002) and this exhibition at the Seoul Art Center (http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110807000244) and this book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mad-Monk-Paintings-Lancaster-Miller/dp/0895810174) and more. He and his work have been featured on CNN, PBS, NHK, and other major broadcasters. He was a famous monk, artist, poet, and actor. His unique paintings are instantly recognizable by their zen approach to form and color. Please look closely at this painting to get a sense of the spiritual quality of the artist's brushwork. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity. It has further symbolic meaning in Buddhism. The bodhisattvas change themselves into cranes so that they can fly all over the world visiting and helping people. The moon is also an ancient symbol of longevity in Korea. Ink and color on paper. The buyer of this fine painting will receive a PDF file compilation of Jung Kwang Sunim's poems, and a bio. You'll laugh and cry when you read "Zen Poems 1". The recent exhibition of Jung Kwang 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, Jung Kwang Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. The fourth photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2500 for a painting of similar style and slightly smaller size by Jung Kwang Sunim. Frame: 24 x 20 inches (61 x 51 cm), Painting: 18 x 13.5 inches (46 x 34 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.

Prominently displayed on the wall of the Sejong Room of Korea's Presidential Residence (The Blue House) is a painting by Lim Ok Sang (born 1950). The painting here from 2019 is large at 50 x 49 inches (127 x 124.5 cm), and the beautiful frame chosen by the artist is 56.5 x 55.5 inches (143.5 x 141 cm). Two similar examples of paintings in ink and soil can be seen in the catalogue of Lim Ok Sang's retrospective exhibition currently at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. Lim Ok Sang (born 1950) graduated from École d’art d’Angoulême, Angoulême in France and taught for ten years at Jeonju University. He has had numerous solo exhibitions in Korea and America, and has been featured in many international shows, including the Venice Biennale. His work is in the collections of the Korea National Museum, Seoul Museum of Art, Samsung Museum, the Denver Art Museum, and other major museums. Lim Ok Sang is celebrated as one of the leading artists of the Minjung movement in Korea. He was one of the founders of the important critical journal, Reality and Utterance, that coincided with the beginning of the Minjung movement. Lim is an artist adept at poignant expression of the nature of mortality, the vulnerability and plight of the individual and humanity. The emphasis of his work has been not only to speak out against injustice and the forces of destruction, but to make one aware of the value of life and the importance of preserving and caring for the environment in which we live.

Large Artist's Proof of Munjado Calligraphy by the Famous 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. This is the original signed AP (Artist's Proof) of this large lithograph, where Unbo gives us a most creative rendering with anthropomorphic figures in the ancient style of figurative munjado calligraphy. 38.5 x 28.5 inches, 98 x 72.5 cm.

Fine 19th Century Korean Royal Court Painting of Children at Play. This genre of Korean paintings always displays children playing in imaginary Chinese court costumes, and is called Baekdongja-do in Korean. From the ground-breaking Auspicious Spirits, Korean Folk Paintings exhibition catalogue: "Depicting the children as court nobility expressed an auspicious desire that one's own children achieve success in life." This exceptional example was displayed in the room of a wife in the Korean royal court to inspire her to become pregnant and to have healthy, playful, and successful children. It was also displayed on the first birthday of each child. Ink and colors on silk. 40 x 14.5 inches, 101.5 x 37 cm.

Korean Village Life, a Beautiful Oil Painting by Won Hyeok Pak, 1966, original frame. It comes with a 1966 letter to one of his patrons, where he explains his artistic ideas. He includes a photo of this painting with the letter, and a photo of a portrait he created of the patron, and photos of some of his other paintings. A rare and gorgeous piece of mid-20th Century Korean art and history. It captures a way of life and type of dress at a time that it was at its very end. Frame: 20 x 16 inches, 51 x 41 cm; 15 x 11, 38 x 28 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.

Standing Dharma by Korea's Renowned Buddhist Monk Painter Seok Jeong Sunim (1928-2012). This is an excellent example of why Seok Jeong is widely regarded as Korea's master of Zen Buddhist art. Dharma's body and robe is rendered in just four powerful and inspired brushstrokes. The calligraphy here is also masterful. Ink on paper. Mounted on a beautiful silk scroll. Silk Mount: 77.5 x 18 inches, 197 x 45.5 cm; Painting: 50 x 13 inches, 127 x 33 cm. The recent exhibition of Seok Jeong 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, Seok Jeong Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. The fourth photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $3500 for a similar Dharma painting. That painting is half the size of the Seok Jeong painting we are offering here.

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.

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.

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.

Peony Fan Painting by Jeon Yeong Suk aka Yeo Cheong (1960 - ). The peony is an ancient symbol of prosperity. 21 x 6.5 inches, 53.5 x 16.5 cm. This, along with our Stock Numbers 1318 and 1319, is part of a set of three fan flower paintings by Jeon Yeong Suk.

Chrysanthemum Fan Painting by Jeon Yeong Suk aka Yeo Cheong (1960 - ). The chrysanthemum's many petals is an ancient symbol of an abundant life or fertility. 21 x 6.5 inches, 53.5 x 16.5 cm. This, along with our Stock Numbers 1318 and 1320, is part of a set of three fan flower paintings by Jeon Yeong Suk.

Lilac Fan Painting by Jeon Yeong Suk aka Yeo Cheong (1960 - ). The lilac is an ancient symbol of peace and harmony. 21 x 6.5 inches, 53.5 x 16.5 cm. This, along with our Stock Numbers 1319 and 1320, is part of a set of three fan flower paintings by Jeon Yeong Suk.

Painting of Monkey Reaching for the Moon's Reflection in the Water by Renowned Korean Buddhist Monk and Painter Su An Sunim (born 1940), from the ancient Buddhist parable of the monkey reaching for the moon's reflection in the water. 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. 52.5 x 13 inches, 133 x 33 cm. The third photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2000 for a similar painting. That painting is much smaller than the Su An painting we are offering here.

A fine example of a Joseon Dynasty Korean tiger hunting painting, that makes use of the best quality pigments and finest silk, and is rendered with the highest level of artistry and skill, likely by a painter from the royal court. A similar painting recently sold at auction in Korea for $5500. Unique to Korea, almost all Korean hunting paintings depict hunters in Mongolian costume. In spite of the Mongols' brutal occupation of Korea in the 13th Century, Koreans maintained great admiration for Mongolian hunting and equestrian skills. This painting is one of a pair. The other painting is on this website (Stock #1186). Scroll: 50 x 17 inches (127 x 43 cm); Painting: 27 x 13 inches (68.5 x 33 cm).

Painting of Scholar Under Moonlit Plum Blossoms by Park No Soo aka Nam Jeong (1927-2013). Just the first page of a google search reveals both the renown that Park No Soo enjoyed internationally, and the adoration he received locally in Korea. His minimal style and palette is instantly recognizable, and this beautiful, contemplative painting is a fine example of his inimitable, expressive brushwork, from the silvery-blue sliver of a moon, to the unique rendering of orchids and rocks. The orchid is an ancient symbol of virtue, and the rocks symbolize eternity. The combination had great meaning to Korean scholars, as it symbolized eternal devotion to your principles. The plum blossoms are a symbol of courage, because they bloom early, before winter is finished. The Park No Soo Museum opened in 2013 in Seoul's Jongno District, Jongno's first public museum. Park No Soo was a student of Yi Sang Beom, who was a student of An Jung Sik, who was a student of Jang Seung Eop, the very best possible lineage of Korean art royalty. Watercolors on paper. Frame: 23 x 18.5 inches, 58.5 x 47 cm; Painting: 13.5 x 9 inches, 34.25 x 23 cm.

Ode to Autumn, fan painting by one of Korea's most famous contemporary artists who worked in the traditional style, Lee Nam Ho aka Geum Chu (1908-2001), beautifully framed and newly silk mounted. The sparrow sings to the beautiful flower of autumn, the camellia, an ancient symbol of faithfulness in Korea. The bamboo on the right is a symbol of resilience and integrity. When faced with a strong wind, the bamboo bends but does not break, just as the person with determination and principle, even when pressed down, doesn't give up and resumes their upright posture. The rock is a symbol of eternity, so when it is with the bamboo and camellia, it is a poetic representation of eternal adherence to principle and undying faithfulness. Ink and colors on paper. Frame: 34.75 x 19 inches (88.25 x 48.25 cm), Painting: 22.5 x 11.5 inches (57 x 29 cm).