Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (179)

Set of Three Brass Bowls, (right to left) one Goryeo Dynasty, one Joseon Dynasty, and one Early 20th Century. A fantastic set that spans a thousand years of Korean history. All three are beautiful examples of each time period, with wonderful forms and great patinas. Width and height, starting from the oldest (right to left): 6 x 4 inches (15.25 x 10 cm), 7 x 4 inches (17.75 x 10 cm), 5.5 x 4.5 inches (14 x 11.5 cm).

The only authentic 19th Century Korean shaman paintings offered for sale. Sublimely rendered here is the spirit of divine response, Kameung Sillyeong. 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 them 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 art that is by and for the people and not art for art’s sake. Within the broad realm of Korean folk art, shaman art expresses the deepest desires of the Korean people. Shaman paintings are a fundamental part of shaman rituals to protect the home, heal the sick, divine the future, communicate with the deceased, bless and protect the crop, wedding, family, and newborn baby, and provide the people with a sense of well-being and purpose. While the court ordained official theology and commissioned art supportive of it, the commoners, from a life really lived, created and through the centuries have held onto a most syncretic belief system that borrows from Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, ancient animism, and elsewhere, and that engenders a strong connection to nature and its energy. Korean shamanism encourages a healthy defiance against official dogma, and an open-mindedness and sincerity that guides the creators and commissioners of these powerful works of art. That is why these wonderful creations by and for the people 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.

Garuda Mask from Sherdukpen, Arunachal Pradesh, 12.5 inches, 31.5 cm.

Deluxe Pair of Finely Embroidered 19th Century Korean Pillow Ends from the renowned, published, and exhibited Lea Sneider textiles collection, with Peonies (symbol of prosperity) and Mountains (symbol of longevity). Frames: 9.5 x 9.5 inches (23 x 23 cm); Pillow Ends: 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm).

Large Korean Antique Lacquered Sword with Painted Dragons. 58.5 inches, 148.5 cm.

Tharu, Nepal Mask, collected by Eric Chazot, 11 inches, 28cm.

Exquisite Painted Bronze Qing Dynasty Chinese Guan Yin Bodhisattva of Compassion. Height: 4.75 inches (12 cm). From an important and published collection. Provenance available upon request.

Nepalese Middle Hills Shaman Mask. 12 x 8.75 inches, 30.5 x 22 cm.

Korean Antique Compartmented Inkstone Box and Old Brush. This box has a warm beauty that comes from its lovely form and beautiful patina that shows many years of devoted use by a Joseon Dynasty Korean scholar. 10 x 7 x 1.25 inches, 25.5 x 17.75 x 3 cm.

Kukpa Mask from Sherdukpen, Arunachal Pradesh, collected by Eric Chazot, 7.5 inches, 19 cm.

Terai, Nepal Monkey Mask, 14 inches, 35.5 cm.

19th Century Korean Blue and White Porcelain Bottle with Beautifully Painted Peony Sprays. The peony is an ancient symbol of love and prosperity in Korea. 7.5h x 4.5w inches, 19h x 11.5w cm.

19th Century Tibetan Yogin Thangka, 32.5 x 22.5 inches, 82.5 x 57 cm. Most of these thangka were photographed through glass frames, so there may be a little blurriness. This thankga was in an exhibition at the University of Texas Art Museum.

Rare Korean Black Lacquered Arrow Case (Quiver) of bamboo with a design of grapes, peonies, and ferns. Length: 40 inches, 101.5 cm.

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).

Very Large Antique Wooden Joseon Dynasty Korean Wedding Goose inscribed with the year 1892. A similar but slightly smaller one recently sold at auction in Korea for $22,520 plus commission, for a total of $25,000! A photo of that auction result is the last photo here in this post. This is a grand piece of Korean folk art. This wooden goose was a gift from a Korean groom to a bride nearly 200 years ago, and is the largest and most beautifully rendered example we have ever seen. Because geese mate for life, the goose was a symbol of the groom's lifelong commitment to his bride. 28h x 35d x 13w inches, 71h x 89d x 33w cm.

This pair of painted portraits depicts the newlywed Justice Minister Choi Seok-min (1858-1915) and his wife. The level of photo-like realism in these paintings is astounding. 19th Century portraits of women are exceedingly scarce. This is the only example we have ever seen offered for sale. The documentation pictured here is included with this pair of portraits. Each painting is 49 x 18 inches, 124.5 x 45.5 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.