Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Korean (111)

This is a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece of exquisite beauty that rewards long and repeated viewing. We have never seen a silver Joseon Dynasty lady's dagger (eunjangdo) with engraving entirely in a floral motif like this. The details are stunningly rendered along every millimeter of this fine work of art. Beyond the beauty of the luxurious surface, there is a deeper and thoughtful design that incorporates symbolism from ancient history. It is engraved with akebia mountain root (symbol of good health), lotus blossom (symbol of rebirth, because the lotus rises above the muck of the pond to show its face to the Sun), azalea (symbol of beauty and the "city flower" chosen by many of Korea's cities), peony (symbol of abundance because of its copious petals), banana leaf (the huge leaves are considered auspicious), plum blossoms (symbol of courage because they bloom before winter is not quite finished), and Korea's mugunghhwa national flower, the rose of sharon. 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 dragonfly here is a symbol of purity. The small band in the middle has a key fret thunder pattern. Eunjangdo were worn by women of rank as a chest pendant and a symbol of their social standing. This dagger also served as a tool to save women from personal humiliation or peril, not by attacking an assailant but by killing themselves, under the Confucian moral obligation of medieval Korea 'to remain faithful to one spouse'. The silver chopsticks were used to determine the safety of food, as they would turn color if poison was present. 6 inches, 15 cm.

This seven feet tall Antique Korean Trident is the only Joseon Dynasty Trident ever offered for sale. The few existing examples are all in museums in Korea. Only Korea has this type of trident with the small round iron cymbals under the fork for scaring off tigers and other wild animals. The shape of the fork is also uniquely Korean. The Chinese trident has much rounder corners. 82 inches (208 cm) tall, 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) wide.

Only Pair of Korean Enlightened Saints (Nahan) Paintings Ever Offered for Sale. Set in beautiful landscapes, the Nahan on the right has subdued a demon who is supplicating before him. 18th Century. Colors on paper. 30 x 13.5 inches, 76 x 34 cm each.

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).

Pair of 19th Century Korean Hunting Paintings. Unique to Korea, hunting paintings always depict hunters in Mongolian attire. Koreans had great admiration for Mongolian archery and equestrian skills. Ink and colors on paper. Frame: 46 x 22 inches (171 x 56 cm), 34 x 16 inches (86 x 41 cm).

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.

Fine 19th Century Perfectly Matched Pair of Oiled Paper on Wood Wedding Chests with a Beautiful Surface. Only very old oiled paper that has aged for many years can give you this warm, deep, dark hue. A rare perfect pair that is guaranteed to add warmth and beauty to any room. Dimensions of each chest: 30w x 17.5h x 14.75 inches, 76w x 44.5h x 37.5 cm.

16.5 x 8.5 x 5.25 inches, 42 x 21.5 x 13.5 cm. Rare 18th Century Korean Animal Hide Box. There is a similar 18th Century example in the Tenri University Sankokan Museum, illustrated in the book The Korean Relics in Japan Volume 4, page 339.

17 x 9 x 7 inches, 43 x 23 x 18 cm. Rare 18th Century Korean Animal Hide Box. There is a similar 18th Century example in the Tenri University Sankokan Museum, illustrated in the book The Korean Relics in Japan Volume 4, page 339.

17 x 9.25 x 6 inches, 43 x 23.5 x 15 cm. Rare 18th Century Korean Animal Hide and Wood Box. There is a similar 18th Century example in the Tenri University Sankokan Museum, illustrated in the book The Korean Relics in Japan Volume 4, page 339.

Rare 19th Century Korean Children's Headside Chest (Meorijang). This was placed at the head of the child's sleeping place. 32 x 20 x 20 inches, 81 x 51 x 51 cm.

Rare 19th Century Korean Hyangsang Small Desk and Table with Drawer. Hyangsang were altar stands for the family home altar. Hyangsang (aka Hyangnosang or Hyangtak) are so scarce that this is the only one we have ever been able to acquire in our twenty years in business. 16w x 15.5h x 11.5d inches, 41w x 39h a 29d 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.

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).

Rare 19th Century Korean Kyeongsang Scholar's Study Desk with Persimmon Drawers. Simple and elegant in keeping with the scholar's aesthetic. The upturned ends keep scrolls and writing materials from rolling off the desk. 27 x 12 x 11 inches, 68.5 x 30.5 x 28 cm.

Rare 19th Century Red Lacquered Korean Wedding Box. Red lacquered boxes were reserved by law for members of the royal court. 16 x 13 x 11 inches, 41 x 33 x 28 cm.

Rare 5th Century Korean Gaya Water Jar of Classic Form, Color, and Design. The decoration is incised into the clay between the carved bands before firing. Gaya was a confederation of small states independent from and influential on the the Silla Kingdom and its pottery, until Silla annexed Gaya in the 6th Century. The long neck keeps water from sloshing out while the jar is being carried. Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

19th Century Korean Hat Box made entirely of Exotic Paulownia (Odong-namu) Wood, from the collection of a French diplomat stationed in Korea in the 1950s. Paulownia is very desirable for collectors because of its beautiful wide grain, light weight, and fire and bug-resistant qualities. The paulownia used for this rare hat box is especially fine. 9.5 x 9.5 x 8.5 (height) inches, 24 x 24 x 21.5 cm.