Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (183)

A Cobalt-Blue Painted White Porcelain Incense Burner Joseon Dynasty 19th Century. A true treasure. A similar example recently sold at auction in Seoul for 1.5 million dollars. The cracks are not damage. They are original to the piece and happened during firing. The polyhedral incense burner set on a square four-leg foot, overall covered with underglaze cobalt blue paint, decorated in white porcelain low-relief of the Ten Signs of Long Life (Shipjaengsaeng) with finely incised details, the flaring square mouth rim in bamboo shape, two small handles each with a loop, applied with a lustrous transparent overglaze. 7 inches (18 cm.) high.

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.

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.

The last rare Joseon Dynasty Munjado-Chaekgeori combination screen offered for sale was a decade ago at auction. It will likely be at least that long until you see another, if you ever see one for sale again at all. Even most museums have been unable to find one to acquire. The Cleveland Museum has a fine example. This rare combination of Munjado and Chaekgeori was painted only in the Gangwon Province. Munjado screens have eight pictorial ideographs depicting the Eight Confucian Virtues: Hyo (Filial Piety), Je (Fraternity), Chung (Loyalty), Shin (Trust), Ye (Propriety), Ui (Justice), Yeom (Integrity), and Chi (Conscience). Unique to Korean munjado screens are paintings of various creatures that since ancient times have symbolized the virtue they accompany here. Confucian values were regarded as the cornerstones of Korean society and Munjado screen paintings representing them were used as daily reminders to observe the Eight Virtues. Chaekgeori screens feature scholarly accoutrements such as books and writing tables, brush pots and scrolls, fans, along with items that would adorn the scholar's study such as potted flowers and plants, and fruit in bowls. Within the Confucian society of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), scholars were highly respected and Chaekgeori screens were typically displayed behind the desk in a study to convey an air of dignity, luxury, and a reverence for scholarship. These screens were also intended to instill these values in the children of the household. Ink and colors on paper. Total dimensions: 65 x 140 inches, 165 x 356 cm. Each painting: 65 x 17.5 inches, 165 x 44.5 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).

Rare 19th Century Palanquin. There has never been one offered for sale before and it is unlikely you will ever see another one again. The exquisite wood carving on all sides features ancient symbolism of prosperity and longevity. 34h x 28w x 81d inches with poles, 86h x 71 x 206 cm with poles.

Rare Large Joseon Dynasty 19th Century Korean Medicine Chest, Yakjang. Reproductions of Joseon Dynasty medicine chests are popular. Now you have a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic one that was used in a genuine historical and cultural context by a traditional Korean doctor in the 19th century. 42.75w x 38.75h x 15.5d inches, 108.5w x 98.5h x 39.5d cm.

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).

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.

Rare and Fine 19th Century Korean Chaekjang Book Chest. You may never see another like this for under $10,000! 33w x 26.5h x 12d inches, 84w x 67.5h x 30.5d 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 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.

19th Century Korean Hat Box made entirely of Exotic Paulownia (Odong-namu) Wood. 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. (hat not included) 12 x 12 x 12 (height) inches, 31 x 31 x 31 cm.

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 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.

Fine Old Balinese Barong Mask. Best known antique example on the market. With handles and movable jaw. From a published and renowned collection. Barong, King of the Spirits, protects families from the evil Queen Rangda of the mythical Leyak child-eating witches. 17.5 x 11 x 9 inches, 44.5 x 28 x 23 cm.

19th Century Tibetan Thangka of Yama and Consort with original silk mount and silk cover from a renowned and published collection. Mount: 36 x 26 inches (91 x 66 cm), Painting: 24.5 x 18 inches (62 x 46 cm).