Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (183)

Geese and Reeds Painting (Noando) on fine silk mounted on luxurious gold silk by Yang Ki Hun aka Seokyeon (1843-1897) from Pyeongyang, signed Seokyeon. Yang Ki Hun's signature 'boneless' style (painting without outlines, using ink washes) beautifully captures light and shade. The literal meaning of 'noando' is reed and geese painting, but it is a play on words, as 'no' means both reed and old, and 'an' means both geese and comfort ('do' means painting). So 'noan' can mean 'reed and geese' or 'old comfort', and so a painting of geese and reeds symbolized a wish for a comfortable and peaceful old age. This particular painting has further meaning because it depicts two pair of geese. Geese were believed to mate for life, so this painting symbolizes eternal love, and the wish for a couple to grow old together in peace and comfort. Yang Ki Hun was a member of the Royal Academy of Painting in the 19th Century. He made a living by painting for the king and his court, and also by selling his paintings in Pyeongyang. Here are two great quotes from Yang Ki Hun's contemporary, the painter and calligrapher Chi Un Yeong (aka Paekryeon): "Yang Ki Hun's paintings stir up my jealousy because they seem completely freed from all ideas and restraints". And after Seokyeon (Yang Ki Hun) passed away, Chi Un Yeong wrote, "Seokyeon told me that when he stayed on Neungna Island for a few years some time ago, he often saw geese fly in and land on a reed field, so he was able to paint them in a realistic way. His words still linger vividly in my ears. I remember playing with him thirty years ago in the Taedong River, and it seems so far away and dream-like." Ink on paper. Silk Mounting: 76 x 19.5 inches, 193 x 49.5 cm; Painting: 44 x 14 inches, 112 x 35.5 cm. The fifth photo here shows the market price for Yang Ki Hun paintings, which is much higher than the attractive price at which we are offering this fine painting.

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.

Rare and Outstanding early 19th Century Korean Porcelain Jar with Dynamic Underglaze Painting of Copper Red and Iron Brown and an Incredible Thick Dripping Blue Glaze. Unquestionably one of the best and most creative Korean porcelains you will ever see. There really is no other like it, from the design to the copper-red and iron-brown brushwork, from the potting to the glaze, it is truly one-of-a-kind. It has all of the best characteristics of Korean ceramics, whimsical yet technically accomplished, with unaffected sincerity, earthy soulfulness, absence of artifice, and effortless reverence for and affinity with nature. The dripping blue glaze on the surface, and the peach tones that come through the white porcelain glaze, make it all the more special. It will always reward repeated viewing and touching. 10 inches tall x 10 inches wide, 25.5 x 25.5 cm.

Orchids and Rocks Painting by Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921). 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. Though Daewongun (Prince Yi Ha Eung) is often cited as the greatest painter of orchids, most scholars now agree it was Kim Eung Won who was creating many of the paintings for which Prince 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. The second photo here is from a sale at another gallery where the prices on much smaller and simpler paintings by Kim Eung Won are double the price we are asking here for this larger and finer painting. Ink on paper. 54 x 14 inches, 137.5 x 35.5 cm unmounted. (A much smaller Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

Fine, Rare Eight-Panel Painting by Revered Korean Artist Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921). Similar to the Kim Eung Won screen in the royal Changdeok 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. Though Daewongun (Prince Yi Ha Eung) is often cited as the greatest painter of orchids, most scholars now agree it was Kim Eung Won who was creating many of the paintings for which Prince 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. The last photo here is of the only other Kim Eung Won screen offered for sale. The "sale" price is more than double the price we are asking here. This is the only Kim Eung Won eight-panel painting we have ever offered in our 18 years in business. Ink on paper. 54 x 14 inches, 137.5 x 35.5 cm unmounted. (A much smaller and single Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

Geese and Reeds Painting (Noando) mounted on luxurious gold silk by Yang Ki Hun aka Seokyeon (1843-1897) from Pyeongyang, signed Seokyeon. Yang Ki Hun's signature 'boneless' style (painting without outlines, using ink washes) beautifully captures light and shade. The literal meaning of 'noando' is reed and geese painting, but it is a play on words, as 'no' means both reed and old, and 'an' means both geese and comfort ('do' means painting). So 'noan' can mean 'reed and geese' or 'old comfort', and so a painting of geese and reeds symbolized a wish for a comfortable and peaceful old age. This particular painting has further meaning because it depicts two pair of geese. Geese were believed to mate for life, so this painting symbolizes eternal love, and the wish for a couple to grow old together in peace and comfort. Yang Ki Hun was a member of the Royal Academy of Painting in the 19th Century. He made a living by painting for the king and his court, and also by selling his paintings in Pyeongyang. Here are two great quotes from Yang Ki Hun's contemporary, the painter and calligrapher Chi Un Yeong (aka Paekryeon): "Yang Ki Hun's paintings stir up my jealousy because they seem completely freed from all ideas and restraints". And after Seokyeon (Yang Ki Hun) passed away, Chi Un Yeong wrote, "Seokyeon told me that when he stayed on Neungna Island for a few years some time ago, he often saw geese fly in and land on a reed field, so he was able to paint them in a realistic way. His words still linger vividly in my ears. I remember playing with him thirty years ago in the Taedong River, and it seems so far away and dream-like." Ink on paper. Silk Mounting: 67 x 16.5 inches, 170 x 42 cm; Painting: 48.75 x 12 inches, 124 x 30.5 cm. The third photo here shows the market price for Yang Ki Hun paintings, which is much higher than the attractive price at which we are offering this fine painting.

Pair of Framed Korean Antique Embroidered Pillow Ends with a Happy Peacock Family and Flowers. Peacocks symbolize the 9 Virtues: a tidy face, clear voice, careful walk, appropriate behavior according to place and time, moderation in eating and drinking, knowing how to be content, existing together, not being obscene, and always returning. Eternity and continuity are symbolized by the lovely multi-colored repeating 'ryul' characters that are embroidered all around the borders. These are set in deep frames made of exotic paulownia wood, a wood prized for its beautiful wide grain. Eternity and continuity is implied through the lovely multi-colored repeating 'ryul' characters that are embroidered all around the borders. A charming, auspicious, and finely embroidered pair of Antique Korean Pillow Ends framed for display. Each Frame: 7.5 x 7 inches, 19 x 19 cm; Each Pillow End: 4.25 x 4.25 inches, 10.75 x 10.75 cm.

This exemplary work of 19th Century Korean folk art is sculpted in and painted on wood and metal and features the two most revered mythical creatures in Korea: The Yellow Dragon and The Blue Dragon. This creative composition has a patron couple who seem to have the dragons' tails coming out of them. The Dragon brings rain, blessings, and life. The Yellow Dragon writhes dynamically and shows its face at the top of this piece, while The Blue Dragon offers a foundation to the composition and makes its presence known with a single all-seeing eye protruding through the bottom. In ancient Korean cosmology, The Yellow Dragon rules from the center of the sky. Korean emperors chose from ancient times the symbol of The Yellow Dragon to represent the royal family. The Blue Dragon is the color of the sky and the sea and symbolizes the power of both. Farmers prayed to the Dragon for rain and fishermen prayed to him for a good catch, while fishermen's wives asked the Dragon to bring their husbands home safely. The Yellow Dragon and The Blue Dragon have been paired for millennia, with a wonderful example on the 7th century tomb of King Muyeol (reign 654-661). This tradition was continued by the 19th century owner of this sublime example with a string in the back for hanging and displaying in order to repel evil spirits while bringing blessings to the home. 20.25 x 14.25 inches, 51.5 x 36 cm.

Exceedingly Scarce 19th Century Korean Painted Terracotta Sculpture of a Dongja Boy. We have only seen only one other large-scale antique Korean painted clay sculpture ever offered for sale. Height: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm).

Large 19th Century Korean Sharkskin Jang Geom Sword with Silver Overlay. The scabbard is covered in sharkskin and lacquered black over that. The handle is very interesting and is covered in sharkskin underneath the heavy leather wrapping, and over the sharkskin there is a thick brass foil that is hammered to look like sharkskin. This is a unique technique. The end fitting is missing. The crossguard is shaky because there are a few washers missing from the sword. The blade goes all the way in the scabbard tightly but is off-center by about half an inch. 61.5 inches, 155 cm.

Rare and Collectible Small Wood Document Box. This rare type of box is highly valued by collectors. This is a fine and elegant example. 17 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches, 43 x 21.5 x 5.75 cm.

You rarely see 19th Century Korean tiger paintings offered for sale anymore, especially in excellent condition like this one. The last time we had one was 15 years ago, and it will probably be at least that long until have another one to offer. When they do come up in auctions now, they sell for five figures. That's because there is nothing anywhere like Joseon Era Korean tiger folk paintings. Tigers in Korean paintings are not ferocious. They are humorous and full of personality. And each one is unique, like this fellow here with his quizzical and lovable face as he is being addressed by the magpies. This was a favorite symbol of the common folks and represented the people speaking truth to power. The pine tree is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. The azaleas symbolize beauty. This painting is very "Korean." It is painted in ink and colors on traditional and old hanji paper. Korean tiger folk paintings are never signed. Frame: 45 x 29 inches (114 x 74 cm), Painting: 38 x 22 inches (97 x 56 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.

Rare Antique Korean Doll Couple with exact details in the costumes of that era (late 19th Century). These were used in rituals. This is an exceptional example, with very personal features, such as the woman's swollen cheek bones and pursed lips, and the man's introspective eyes, that go well with their bent postures from many years of living a full life. It is rare to find dolls from this era that are so artistically and beautifully rendered with so much heart-warming emotion. It is equally rare to find a man with an original walking stick. 8.5 inches, 21.5 cm.

19th Century Chinese Personal Dining Table with Beautiful Grain and Color, and a Rare and Elegant Form. 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. 22 x 14 x 5 inches, 56 x 35.5 x 12.5 cm.

Rare and Beautifully Embroidered Joseon Dynasty Korean Scholar's Rank Badge (Fusu) adorned with metallic thread throughout giving it a luxurious sheen. After 19 years in business, we have finally acquired a rare Korean rank badge (fusu) for the first time. This one belonged to a scholar aristocrat, as indicated by the cranes. It is rendered in a unique and lovely golden palette and is wonderfully designed with clouds (symbol of longevity), peonies (symbol of wealth or abundance), and rows of wan symbols (the wheel of life and symbol of universal peace and harmony). The wan 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. 17.5 x 10.5 inches, 44.5 x 27 cm.

Very Rare 19th Century Korean Woven Bamboo and Willow Gori Basket and Lid with a beautiful dark patina and very creative use of the bamboo and willow, on both the exterior and interior of the basket. For a similar Korean Bamboo and Willow Gori Basket, please see page 106 of Korean Cultural Heritage 2, published in 2002. 12 x 3 inches, 30.5 x 7.5 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.