Catalog (51)

Landscape with Tree Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Painted in 1998. Frame: 33 x 14 inches, 84 x 35.5 cm. Painting: 29.5 x 10.5 inches, 75 x 27 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Twisting Dragon painted in 2002 by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 29 x 15.5 inches, 74 x 39 cm. Painting: 25.5 x 12.5 inches, 65 x 32 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual market value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Rare Early Ink Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013) painted in 1963. Ink on paper. Frame: 53 x 31.5 inches, 135 x 80 cm. Painting: 48.5 x 27 inches, 123 x 69 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

1996 Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 28 x 14 inches, 71 x 35 cm. Painting: 23.5 x 9.5 inches, 60 x 24 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

1999 Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 28 x 14 inches, 71 x 35 cm. Painting: 23.5 x 9.5 inches, 60 x 24 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Zen Dragon II painted in 1975 by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Ink on paper. Frame: 38.5 x 20.5 inches, 98 x 52 cm. Painting: 34 x 16 inches, 86 x 41 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

The Only Antique Korean Painting of "Buddha with the Sun and Moon Spirit" Ever Offered for Sale outside of Korea. And perhaps the only 18th century Korean painting with this subject matter ever offered anywhere. Exceedingly Rare and Beautiful. The pair of deities seated at the front of the painting from right to left are the Spirits of the Sun (Ilgangcheonja) and the Moon (Weolgangcheonja). They are known collectively as Ilweol Sinjang. The celestial orbs are in their crowns and overhead. The Sun Spirit's sunlight scatters darkness and misfortune and brings prosperity. The Moon Spirit relieves people's anxiety with moonlight. Buddha is attended by boys (Dongja) on each side of him. Frame: 40 x 23.5 inches, 101 x 60 cm. Painting: 33.5 x 18 inches, 85 x 46 cm.

Rare and beautiful late 19th Century painting of the Korean Mountain Spirit (Sansin) with a scarce sacred white tiger and boy attendant (Dongja) alongside a stream in an idyllic mountain landscape on finely handwoven silk mounted on a gold silk scroll. Sansin's tiger is the animal lord of the mountain and the messenger for Sansin and the enforcer of his will. The white tiger holds special meaning in Korea. It was believed that when a tiger survived challenges and attained wisdom, his fur turned white and he became a sacred spirit. The tiger is a national symbol of Korea and the white tiger was the mascot of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea. Very few antique Korean paintings with white tigers are in existence. The Dongja holds Sansin's wood staff, as gnarled as the pine tree under which he sits. The pine tree is a symbol of longevity and tenacity. In a country where most of the land is covered by mountains, it makes sense that Sansin the Mountain Spirit is the most revered of Korea's native deities. He is the god most often appealed to for fertility, prosperity, and longevity. This Sansin is a great example of the open-minded syncretism of ancient Korean belief. He is a deity of purely Korean Shamanist origin, crowned by a delicately painted Confucian hat, wearing a Buddhist robe, and being attended by a Dongja boy in a utopian Daoist mountain landscape. Sansin paintings can be found in the Sansin-gak shrine of Korean Buddhist temples. Gold silk mount: 59 x 31.5 inches (80 cm). Painting: 36.5 x 25.5 inches (93 x 65 cm).

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 pair of 19th Century Korean paintings of Generals ever offered for sale. Such painted figures were popular guardians of business because of their two-thousand-year history as paradigms of victory and loyalty. This pair, because of its high quality, was undoubtedly commissioned by a prominent 19th century Korean merchant to bless, protect, and bring prosperity to their business. There would have been a shaman ritual at the consecration of this pair of paintings at the place of business. On the right is the legendary 3rd century General Kwan-u, instantly identified by his crane feather fan. He is attended by a boy (Dongja) serving him the mythical peaches of immortality. On the left is Janggun, the ancient mythological general. He is holding a military trident. 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 authenticity 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 not art for art’s sake. Within the broad realm of Korean folk art, shaman art expresses the deepest desires of the Korean people. That is why these wonderful creations 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.

Geese and Reeds Painting (Noando) on fine silk mounted on luxurious gold silk by Yang Ki Hun aka Seokyeon (1843-1897) from Pyeongyang, signed Seokyeon. Yang Ki Hun's signature 'boneless' style (painting without outlines, using ink washes) beautifully captures light and shade. The literal meaning of 'noando' is reed and geese painting, but it is a play on words, as 'no' means both reed and old, and 'an' means both geese and comfort ('do' means painting). So 'noan' can mean 'reed and geese' or 'old comfort', and so a painting of geese and reeds symbolized a wish for a comfortable and peaceful old age. This particular painting has further meaning because it depicts two pair of geese. Geese were believed to mate for life, so this painting symbolizes eternal love, and the wish for a couple to grow old together in peace and comfort. Yang Ki Hun was a member of the Royal Academy of Painting in the 19th Century. He made a living by painting for the king and his court, and also by selling his paintings in Pyeongyang. Here are two great quotes from Yang Ki Hun's contemporary, the painter and calligrapher Chi Un Yeong (aka Paekryeon): "Yang Ki Hun's paintings stir up my jealousy because they seem completely freed from all ideas and restraints". And after Seokyeon (Yang Ki Hun) passed away, Chi Un Yeong wrote, "Seokyeon told me that when he stayed on Neungna Island for a few years some time ago, he often saw geese fly in and land on a reed field, so he was able to paint them in a realistic way. His words still linger vividly in my ears. I remember playing with him thirty years ago in the Taedong River, and it seems so far away and dream-like." Ink on paper. Silk Mounting: 76 x 19.5 inches, 193 x 49.5 cm; Painting: 44 x 14 inches, 112 x 35.5 cm. The fifth photo here shows the market price for Yang Ki Hun paintings, which is much higher than the attractive price at which we are offering this fine painting.

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 (though not in this great condition) was 15 years ago, and it will probably be at least that long until we have another one to offer. 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 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).

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. The tables and books display the Korean reverse perspective technique that would later be made popular in 19th century Chaekgeorri paintings of scholar's bookshelves. (Reverse perspective did not exist in Chinese and Japanese paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries.) Colors on paper. 30 x 13.5 inches, 76 x 34 cm each.

Fine, Rare Eight-Panel Painting by Revered Korean Artist Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921). 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 last photo here is of the only other Kim Eung Won screen offered for sale. The "sale" price is more than double the price we are asking here. This is the only Kim Eung Won eight-panel painting we have ever offered in our twenty years in business. Ink on paper. 54 x 14 inches, 137.5 x 35.5 cm unmounted. (A much smaller and single Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

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 last photo here is from a sale at another gallery where the prices on similar paintings by Kim Eung Won are several times higher than the price we are asking here for this fine 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).

Rare and Fine Painting on Silk of Dokseong, The Hermit Saint, from the renowned Charles J. Chu Collection. Sold on June 25, 2010 in Skinner's Asian Works of Art auction (Sale 2512, Lot 445). We sold the last Dokseong painting we had to the Art Institute of Chicago. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful and important painting with an impeccable provenance. Dokseong is portrayed here in a heavenly landscape filled with ancient symbolism, as he sits under the pine tree (symbol of longevity) with a stack of books, beside peonies (symbol of wealth, in this case, a wealth of knowledge and natural beauty), in front of waterfalls and a river (symbols of eternal life), atop a rocky plateau with freshly blooming orchids (orchids are an ancient Korean symbol of purity, modesty, and virtue; rocks symbolizes eternity; so the combination of orchids and rocks have the meaning of eternal adherence to principle). His robe is adorned with clouds (symbol of longevity) and chrysanthemums (symbol of abundance). The chrysanthemums are echoed in the bookshelves. The melons and pomegranates atop the books are fruits with many seeds, so they symbolize plenty. In this case, they represent nature's abundance. Frame: 42 x 33 inches (107 x 84 cm), Painting: 36.5 x 27.25 inches (93 x 69 cm).

Rare Fan Painting by Renowned Buddhist Monk Artist Su An Sunim (born 1940) of a Crane Couple painted in 1997. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity and immortality. Because cranes were believed to stay with one mate for their lifetime, it is also a symbol of faithful love. When the crane is paired like this, the meanings of immortality and fidelity combine to mean eternal love. That sentiment is reinforced by the calligraphy. 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. 19.5 x 14 inches, 50 x 36 cm. Two small tears in lower left side. The second photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2000.

Rare Fan Painting by Renowned Buddhist Monk Artist Su An Sunim (born 1940). The calligraphy on this 1997 painting says, "Your smile is an offering to Buddha." 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. 16.25 x 11 inches, 41 x 28 cm. The second photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2000. That painting is smaller than the Su An painting we are offering here.