Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (175)

Rare and Grand Eight-Panel Chaekgeori Still-Life Screen painting on All-Original Mounting. Chaekgeori literally translates to "books and things," and the things are scholar's accoutrements. It is rare to find such an old and important screen on its original silk and wood mounting. They are usually remounted. So this is a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition opportunity for a serious connoisseur of fine art and Korean culture. This genre of painting is uniquely Korean and was created by King Jeongjo in 1791. The shelves of the painting are adorned with books and objects collected from other countries, illuminating the ideas of the erudite and cosmopolitan scholar. The spatial illusion of reverse perspective used in early examples of chaekgeori is masterfully rendered here. This screen inspired the pursuit of knowledge and reverence for cultural values in the many ritual ceremonies at which it was employed over the decades. 141 x 60 inches, 358 x 152 cm.

Fine and Rare Eight-Panel Painting by Revered Korean Artist Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921) mounted on a silk screen. 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 fifth photo here is of the only other mounted Kim Eung Won screen ever offered for sale. It sold in Korea. The "sale" price is almost double the price we are asking here. Ours is the only mounted Kim Eung Won screen ever offered for sale outside of Korea. Ink on paper. Total Dimensions: 137.5 x 72 inches, 350 x 182.5 cm. Each Painting: 47 x 13 inches, 120 x 33 cm. (A much smaller and single Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

19th Century Royal Court Artist Jo Jung Muk (조중묵 趙重默) aka Un Gye (운계(雲溪) (1820-1894) created several paintings that are iconic in Korea, including Korea's government designated National Treasure Portrait of King Taejo painted in 1872 (see fourth photo here), Portrait of King Cheoljong in the National Palace Museum painted in 1861 (see fifth photo here), and Ancestral Grave on Inwangsan Mountain in the National Museum of Korea painted in 1868 (see third photo here). This unmounted six-panel screen of nature paintings is only the second screen by Jo Jung Muk ever offered for sale anywhere in the world. The first one sold at auction in Korea. All of his other screens are in major museum collections.

19th Century Royal Court Artist Jo Jung Muk (조중묵 趙重默) aka Un Gye (운계(雲溪) (1820-1894) created several paintings that are iconic in Korea, including Korea's government designated National Treasure, Portrait of King Taejo, painted in 1872 (see fifth photo here), and Portrait of King Cheoljong in the National Palace Museum painted in 1861 (see sixth photo here), and Ancestral Grave on Inwangsan Mountain in the National Museum of Korea painted in 1868 (see fourth photo here). This painting and the screen offered on our site are the only paintings by Jo Jung Muk ever offered for sale outside of Korea. It is almost certain you will never see another. This painting of a rooster and a pair of chicks features the vibrant, inimitable brushwork that made Jo Jung Muk famous. Because it was believed that the rooster's morning cry drove away the night's evil spirits, they are a sacred icon in Korean art. The rooster’s comb symbolizes intelligence; traditional officials’ hats are based on the comb. The rooster's claws symbolize strength. Frame: 23.5 x 19.5 inches (60 x 49.5 cm), Painting: 17.5 x 13.5 inches (44.5 x 34 cm).

Very Rare 19th Century Korean Officer's Sword with Dragon Hand Guard. There are only a couple hundred Joseon Dynasty swords in existence and they are rarely offered for sale. Most were destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 19th and early 20th century. Total length: 40 inches, 101 cm.

Exceedingly Scarce Joseon Dynasty Korean Porcelain Lamp, the first one ever offered outside of Korea. It is unlikely you will ever see another one offered for sale. A similar one recently sold at auction in Korea for $7000. Reference photos are posted here. 10.5 inches, 26.6 cm tall.

Rare 19th Century Korean Wooden Lacquered Chopstick Holder. The front panel features a carved lozenge shape, an ancient symbol of the Seven Treasures: silver, gold, coral, lapis lazuli, agate, seashell, and amber. The top is carved into the shape of the mythical bullocho longevity plant. It has an iron ring for hanging and displaying. 12.5h x 4w x 2.5d inches, 32 x 10 x 6.5 cm.

Early 20th Century Lacquered Personal Dining Table from Haeju, Korea (Haeju Soban) with an elegant design of a key-fret apron and the ancient Korean legend of the carp swimming upstream and up the waterfall to successfully transform into a dragon and fly into the skies. Images of this story were displayed in children's rooms to encourage them to succeed in their studies and aspirations. 19.25w x 16h x 14d inches, 49 x 41 x 35.5 cm.

Rare 19th Century Korean Gilded Bronze Military Rank Badge with traces of gold. This badge was worn on a high-ranking military officer's hat, as shown in the third photo here. It was acquired in Seoul in 1946. 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm). Frame: 8.5 x 8.5 inches, 21 x 21 cm).

Rare and Slightly Subversive 19th Century Korean Painting of the Medicine Buddha, Yak Bul, seated on a lotus blossom throne and accompanied by an attendant. A strategically placed phallic ginseng emerges from the center of his robe in a reference to its legendary powers of virility. The attendant stares directly at it as a form disguised in his garment emerges straight up from the center of his body, as well, while he holds his fan erect. At the time, state censors regulated publicly displayed paintings like this one. But this artful artist got this one past some less-observant censors. He had some sneaky fun creating a benevolent Buddha with an uncommonly sly grin blessing and inspiring eager couples who shared his sense of humor. Ink and colors on traditional hanji paper. Frame: 36 x 24 inches (91.5 x 61 cm), Painting: 29.5 x 18.5 inches (75 x 47 cm).

You rarely see 19th Century Korean tiger paintings offered for sale anymore. When they do come up in auctions now, they sell for more than we are asking here. 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 being addressed by the magpie. 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. Ink and colors on traditional old hanji paper. Korean tiger folk paintings are never signed. 30.75 x 30 inches (78 x 76 cm).

A Superior Example of a Rare 19th Century Korean Hwajodo Bird and Flower Painting filled with ancient symbolism. This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful hwajodo we have ever had. These paintings were never signed, but this anonymous artist possessed superior skill and artistry. The pair of cranes symbolize eternal love, because cranes were believed to mate for life. The peonies symbolize love and prosperity. The rocks symbolize eternity. So the two combine to grant the wish for eternal prosperous love. That theme is reinforced here by the mythical bullocho longevity plants. The exquisitely rendered pine tree here is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. And finally, the clouds are also a longevity symbol. So the entire composition represents a beautiful and eternal marriage guided by wisdom and love and filled with prosperity. Frame: 32 x 14 inches, 81 x 35.5 cm. Painting: 21 x 9 inches, 53.5 x 23 cm.

Very Rare Painted Wood 19th Century Korean Funerary Figure (Kkokdu). These are so rare that it has been twenty years since we last had one for sale. Kkokdu were guardian figures that were believed to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. They were burned after the funeral, so very few have survived. There are a couple of kkokdu museums in Korea that have acquired just about all of the remaining kkokdu. So don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a vital piece of Korean Joseon Era culture. Height: 10.25 inches, 26 cm.

Rare 5th to 6th Century Silla Jar with Separate Single-Level Perforated Stand and Perforated Knobs. This type is so rare, only one other example has been published as far as we know. It appears in Volume 1 of Korea's Pottery Heritage by Edward B. Adams. While the perforated knobs here, utilized to run a cord through, do appear on other Silla ware on rare occasion, they are not on the similar example in Adams' book. This is the only jar with this combination of features. So if you are looking for a unique addition to your collection, you cannot do better than this one-of-kind and striking ancient jar. Silla ware is the most undervalued and underpriced of Korean antiquities. It preceded and influenced the Sue ware of Japan. Accidental ash glaze occurs throughout this example. The ridged neck here features an incised wave pattern created with a comb around the circumference. The tall neck helped to keep the contents from splashing out. The stand has been glued where it apparently once split in half. Jar Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm. Jar Circumference: 29.5 inches, 75 cm. Stand Height: 4.25 inches, 10.75 cm.

A Rare, Tall Masterpiece 5th to 6th Century Silla Jar with a Luxurious Drip Glaze. This is a rare opportunity to add a true masterpiece from 1,500 years ago to your collection. Silla ware is the most undervalued and underpriced of Korean antiquities. It preceded and influenced the Sue ware of Japan. This is the most beautiful example of a Silla jar we have seen. The entire circumference is richly adorned with an abundant accidental greenish brown drip glaze that culminates in vibrant pools. It is a rare form with a tall perforated pedestal and a tall neck with a dramatic V-form. Both the ridged pedestal and ridged neck feature incised wave patterns created with a comb around the circumference. The tall neck helped to keep the contents from splashing out. As if to reward prolonged viewing from every angle, the body has a secret band of unique punctuated comb incisions hidden at the bottom where the body meets the pedestal. Glaze has dripped to the bottom of the pedestal, as well. Given its total height in proportion to its body, imposing grandeur, and luxurious design, we can say with certainty this jar was utilized for ceremonial purposes. The National Museum of Denmark has a similar jar in its Kalbak Collection. Height: 12 inches, 30.5 cm. Circumference: 25.5 inches, 65 cm.

Rare and Fine 5th to 6th Century Silla Jar with Beautiful Form and Design. Silla ware is the most undervalued and underpriced of Korean antiquities. It preceded and influenced the Sue ware of Japan. This jar is a precursor of the round 19th Century Korean Moon Jars that now sell for hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars. The body is similarly constructed of two wheel-thrown halves, but adds a perforated attached pedestal and ridged tall neck and features incised wave patterns created with a comb around the circumference of the body and neck. The tall neck helped to keep the contents from splashing out. Traces of accidental ash glaze occur throughout. For a similar jar see Syracuse University Museum's Catalogue # 62-301 in the 1965 John R. Fox Collection of Korean Ceramics exhibition catalogue pages 6 and 29. Jars identical to this one are in the Great Tomb of Hwangnam, the largest Silla tomb. This dual King and Queen's tomb is shown in the last photo here. Height: 11.5 inches, 29 cm. Circumference: 31 inches, 79cm.

The lychee, because of its red color, is an ancient symbol of love in Korea. It is a rare and valued motif on Korean celadons. The chrysanthemum fertility symbol that also adorns this bowl is more common. But the rendering here is unique, with chrysanthemums in the center of the bowl surrounded by lotus blossoms, a symbol of rebirth because the lotus rises above the muck of the pond to show its face to the Sun. Lovely floral scrolls encircle both the inner and outer circumference. A rare, beautiful, and meaningful bowl. The old pine storage box in the third photo here is included. Width: 8 inches, 20.5 cm. Height: 3.5 inches, cm.

Large Antique Onggi Bottle from Jeju Island with stunning color and surface. Height: 13.5 inches, 34 cm; Circumference: 36.5 inches, 93 cm. Onggi are the most 'Korean' of Korean pots. All words related to onggi are of pure Korean origin, not based on Chinese characters. They are a beautiful form of Korean folk art.