Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Korean (29)

Lilac Fan Painting by Jeon Yeong Suk aka Yeo Cheong (1960 - ). The lilac is an ancient symbol of peace and harmony. 21 x 6.5 inches, 53.5 x 16.5 cm. This, along with our Stock Numbers 1319 and 1320, is part of a set of three fan flower paintings by Jeon Yeong Suk.

Contemplative calligraphy: Music, Writing, and Books by Lee Nam Ho aka Geum Choo (1908-2001). Lee Nam Ho is renowned as a painter. This is a rare and fine example of his calligraphy. 51 x 13.5 inches, 129 x 34 cm.

Shaman's Feast Woodblock Print on Traditional Hanji Paper by Hong Sung Dam in 1982 (21 x 15 inches, 53.5 x 38 cm, including margins). Hong Sung Dam is a woodblock print artist who was a leader of the minjung, the peoples' political movement that arose from the ashes of the Gwangju Massacre where the Korean government slaughtered hundreds (some witnesses say thousands) of their own citizens in the streets in response to demonstrations in Gwangju. He was arrested in 1989, and suffered brutal torture in prison. He was released in 1992 after a three-year-long campaign by Amnesty International. After the subsequent democratization of Korea, Hong was commissioned by the government in 1996 to create the large (120 feet) Minjung Mural in Gwangju. Early minjung art is much sought after, and Hong Sung Dam is one of the most revered and acclaimed minjung artists. He donated much of his early work, so opportunities to buy are very infrequent (practically non-existent, actually). So we are very pleased to offer this rare collection of woodblock prints on traditional hanji paper by Hong Sung Dam that were created before his imprisonment, hidden from authorities by his friends, and donated to Amnesty International after their successful effort to get him released from prison. Own a piece of history and a beautiful work of art from a man who grew up in poverty (on the island of Haui) and illness (severe tuberculosis as a youth) to become an inspiring artist who gave his life to his art and his people.

Peony Fan Painting by Jeon Yeong Suk aka Yeo Cheong (1960 - ). The peony is an ancient symbol of prosperity. 21 x 6.5 inches, 53.5 x 16.5 cm. This, along with our Stock Numbers 1318 and 1319, is part of a set of three fan flower paintings by Jeon Yeong Suk.

Meditative calligraphy: Empty Your Heart and Mind by Lee Nam Ho aka Geum Choo (1908-2001). Lee Nam Ho is renowned as a painter. This is a rare and fine example of his calligraphy. 26 x 12 inches, 65.5 x 31 cm.

Rare Framed Calligraphy by the Last Korean Princess, Yi Bangja (1901 - 1989). A beautiful piece of Korean history created by the last member of the royal household to reside in Korea's royal palace. Princess Yi Bangja is much beloved by the Korean people. She devoted her entire life to the education of mentally and physically handicapped people, and worked tirelessly to support them. She is the subject of television dramas, stage dramas, operas, movies, and books, including her autobiography, "The World is One." This piece reads 위기지학 (ui-gi-ji-hak). It means "Learn for self-cultivation." In other words, don't get an education just so you can show off and gain riches; do it to develop character. Confucius said in the Analects, “People in ancient times learned in order to cultivate their own moral character. People today learn just to impress others.” Frame: 36.5 x 20 inches, 93 x 51 cm; Calligraphy: 26 x 11.5 inches, 66 x 29 cm.

Rare Two-sided Carved Image and Calligraphy on Light Zelkova Wood by the renowned Lee Nam Ho (1908-2001). The calligraphy translates to "The Way of Zen". The exotic zelkova wood itself is a work of art, with its luxurious grain and vigorous form. Lee Nam Ho has shaped the wood into a striking work of art adorned with strong and expressive calligraphy strokes on one side, and a stunning image of a man in traditional attire and the mythical divine Girin beast. A contemplative and rich work of art. You will not find another like it. 24 x 18 inches, 61 x 45.5 cm. Ready-to-hang with an iron hook and ring already installed on the top. This will display nicely and make a beautiful statement in the home or office.

Rare Work of Munjado Calligraphy by Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001). Despite being deaf, Unbo was one of Korea's most beloved 20th Century artists. His works are now sought by museums and collectors internationally. In this original signed offset print, Unbo gives us a dynamic rendering of the ancient style of figurative munjado calligraphy. The bird leaping out of the center character adds powerful life to the piece. 25.5 x 19.5 inches, 65 x 50 cm.

Painting of Monkey Reaching for the Moon's Reflection in the Water by Renowned Korean Buddhist Monk and Painter Su An Sunim (born 1940), from the ancient Buddhist parable of the monkey reaching for the moon's reflection in the water. The recent exhibition of Su An Sunim's work at the Zen Buddhist Temple in New York City was the most highly-attended exhibition ever presented by the Korean Art Society. At that exhibition, Su An Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. Ink and colors on paper. 52.5 x 13 inches, 133 x 33 cm. The third photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2000 for a similar painting. That painting is much smaller than the Su An painting we are offering here.

Large Artist's Proof of Munjado Calligraphy by the Famous Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001). Despite being deaf, Unbo was one of Korea's most beloved 20th Century artists. His works are now sought by museums and collectors internationally. This is the original signed AP (Artist's Proof) of this large lithograph, where Unbo gives us a most creative rendering with anthropomorphic figures in the ancient style of figurative munjado calligraphy. 38.5 x 28.5 inches, 98 x 72.5 cm.

1971 Oil Painting by Choi Young Rim. Frame: 30 x 24 inches, 76 x 61 cm; Painting: 20 x 15 inches, 51 x 38 cm.