Korean Asian Art and Furniture

A beautiful, hand painted blue and white large Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) Korean Moon Jar vase featuring a gorgeous landscape and mountain forest design with what appears to be a poe...

A gorgeous early to midcentury Korean embroidered eight-panel screen depicting scenic nature motifs of flowering trees, playful birds, and floating butterflies. Rare and hard to come...

Impressive hand made Thousand Cranes Moon Vase, in perfect, undamaged condition. The vase features an allover pattern repeat of cranes in flight executed in classic Celadon glaze. Th...

An absolutely gorgeous, monumental, exceptionally large Korean ten-panel Sipjangsaengdo Byobu folding screen depicting the ten symbols of longevity—sun, mountain, water, rock, cloud,...

A stunning late 19th century Campaign Korean tansu cabinet or chest. The Korean chest features 4 small drawers on top of a two door cabinet offeri...

Impressive Asian campaign style cabinet featuring two large front doors that open to reveal a drop down writing desk and fitted with numerous storage drawers. Adorned with opulent brass hardware, hinges, and pulls. Rare Tansu...

This piece is a white porcelain vessel from the Joseon Dynasty, believed to have been produced in the 15th century. It represents one of the typical examples from the early Joseon pe...

A fantastic antique Korean Nong cabinet in two sections with striking and artistic book matched Persimmon panels. Both sections feature central double doors with figured veneers and ...

An antique Korean wood Bandaji circa 19th century from the late Joseon Dynasty. Rarely available, this Bandaji was from Pakchon area in Pyongan Do (in nowadays North Korea). Known as...

Pair of Korean Bandaji (blanket) chests on stands with intricate brass-work and hardware, and original interior printed rice paper lining. Were used as night stands by prior owner. ...

This lacquered wedding chest dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a bridewealth chest during a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. The exterior is finished with red and black lacquer and decorated with two round medallions conveying blessings of luck and longevity. The chest opens from the top, secured with a brass lock plate in the form of a butterfly, a traditional symbol of a life of prosperity and joy. Vintage newsprint...

A Korean black lacquered wood low table with fine inlay works circa Joseon dynasty (19th century), Musuem quality. The low table was traditionally placed on the floor or bed and mean...

This Korean chest from the early 20th century displays a nicely varnished wood panel, adorned on its front with traditional brass hardware. The chest opens thanks to a double door wi...

Rare Korean tansu in original untouched condition. In three sections with a pair of doors in each section; the two upper sections with drawers. The piece is relief-carved with motifs...

A fine antique Korean medicine or apothecary chest from late Joseon Dynasty (circa 19th century). Known as Yakchang in Korean, this type of chest was used to sort and store herb medicines in its many small drawers. The prototype was originated in China, but this piece is distinctively Korean. The fine piece was made from Paulownia wood, which has an insect-repelling quality. Relatively tall, the Yakchang features a slightly overhanging and upturning pagoda plank top. The upper part has ten rows of smaller drawers, eight per row and eighty total. The lower part is centered with double doors with brass hinges and pull that open to a small storage space, which is surrounded by twelve larger drawers. Each drawer is fitted with yellow brass pulls and with two names of the herbs in gilt Hanja writings. Examination of the construction and patina shows that this is an authentic antique piece that has seen extensive historical use. Provenance: Purchase from Lucky-Chosun Furniture, Seoul, Korea in 1986 and remains in an American collection until now. With an original invoice and also a freight invoice from Korea to Hongkong. There is also an insurance appraised by Sotheby's from 1997. A tall medicine chest with similar configuration from a doctor's home in Yongin Folk Village is illustrated on plate 75 page 61 in the book "Korean Furniture and Culture" by Bokcha, Soon and Youngsoon. To compare with another Medicine Chest, see illustration on page 47 in "Korean Antique Furniture...

This is a vintage valet case. A Korean, Oriental elm swing-out grooming box, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970. Displaying excellent craftsmanship and a beautifully figured...

A large and boldly painted Korean "Bamboo and Plum" underglaze iron brown porcelain vase, 20th century, Korea. The large porcelain vase of baluster vase form with generous proportions. The bulbous body with high, wide shoulders, tapering down to a flat recessed foot. The body decorated in underglaze iron brown with large designs of tall, leafy bamboo stalks to one side. The opposite side with gnarled branches of blossoming plum. Bamboo is revered in Korea, and Asia in general for its strength, flexibility and quick growing nature. Plum is invested with similar ideals, representing strength and resilience, as it flowers in the depth of winter. The neck and shoulders featuring a design of stylized clouds. The base with a band of stylized waves. All in underglaze iron brown. The vase with a transparent overglaze of bluish white. The vase modeled after a 16th century Joseon vase...

A Korean ceramic porcelain bowl covered in a white glaze with a hint of bluish green circa 18th century, possibly earlier, of the Joseon Dynasty. The deep bowl was hand-thrown on the...

A Korean white porcelain jar with underglaze blue painting of large peonies with leaves circa second half of 19th century, Joseon Dynasty. Considered associated with Punwon-ri kilns ...

On offer is a large Korean ceramic storage jar (hangari) with white glaze and iron red underglaze dragon design. The globular shaped jar derived its form from the Moon Jar of the ear...

20th Century Korean Tansu Nong Bandaji tallboy wedding chests / cabinet / armoire made of elmwood featuring a two tone wood grain and brass hardware. Korean Bandaji chest or trunk f...

An antique Korean wood Bandaji cabinet from Yecheon area in Gyeongsang Do (southern part of Korean Peninsular) circa late 19th century Joseon Dynasty. This particular Bandaji features a partial drop-down front door and extended top plank with upturned end. The relatively plain hardware indicates that its origin was likely from the Northern part of the Gyeongsang Do. The construction suggests that the use of the piece might be to store books or manuscript, known as Ch'aek Bandaji. The cabinet was made from stained pine wood and fitted with black iron hardware. It is supported on carved curvy legs...

A pair of tall matching candlesticks fashioned out of heavy solid brass from Korea circa 1900s (end of Joseon Dynasty). The candlestick consists of three sections: a large base tray ...

A beautiful collection of 6 vintage Korean bobble head wedding dolls of the 1960s Handmade from wood, these beautifully decorated Kokeshi style dolls are bobble heads and very old. D...

A Korean Bandaji Chest circa late 19th century (toward the end of Joseon Dynasty). Bandaji is known as drop-front half opening chest and was traditionally used to store household val...

A fine and elegant Korean black lacquer and abalone mother of pearl inlay "longevity" box, circa 1930s, Korea. The box, most likely used to sto...

A hyper realistic portrait of an official with watercolor on silk bordered panel, framed in dark wood, from Korean late Joseon dynasty, circa 19th century. The beard man sitting with a formal frontal view, displays a benevolent facial expression, in keeping with the Confucius value of the officialdom at the time. He dons a black linen official hat and a blue silk robe...

A mirror and cosmetic box known as Gyeongdae from Korea circa early 20th century of late Joseon to Korean Empire to colonial period. This type of small and elegant cabinet belongs personally to a lady for her makeup need. The upper part opens to a folding mirror that stands to a total measurement of 12.5 inches. The lower part consists of a single drawer to store the small accessories. The surface of this box is covered with Zelkova wood veneer with an expressive and eye-catching grains, contrasting nicely with yellow brass hardware that includes corner plates, butterfly shape hinges, a drawer pull and a square lock plate that opens when the brass knob is pushed forward. During Joseon Dynasty, this type of mirror box became popular, starting from the loyal families to the wealthy household. For a similar mirror and cosmetic box in the collection of Weisman Art Musuem, see illustration 63 on page 72 of "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pai. Another example in the collection of National Folk Musuem of Korea is illustrated on page 68 of "Korean Antique...

This is an old stone sculpture of a cow, believed to have been made in Korea or Japan. It is made of serpentine rock, which gives it a heavy weight and unique texture. In East Asian ...

A ceramic bowl with celadon glaze from Korea, circa 14th century (late Goryeo Dynasty). The particular shape of the bowl suggests that it is likely a "Bo" (Chinese) or "Hattara" (Japanese "Oryoki"). This is a Buddhism term derived from Sanskrit word "patra", which means "vessel that contains just enough". The container was used traditionally by Buddhist monks to ask for alms (donated foods by laymen). The deep volume and the wide opening are conducive to its utility function. The bowl is covered in a jade-color celadon which has very fine and uniform crackles throughout. Upon close inspection of the exterior wall, one can detect a very light brush of white slip circumventing the body. The white slip brushing technique only became popular from 15th century on as a landmark of the Buncheong ceramics...

A striking Bandaji from Nothern part of the Korean peninsula circa 19th century of late Joseon Dynasty. Bandaji is known as drop front half-opening chest that was used in traditional...

Known as Ich'ung Nong in Korean, this large stackable chest features a two-level storage space with open doors on a gridded facade supported by a base (three pieces total). Construct...

This multi-level cabinet is a 19th-century Korean clothing chest (jang) used for storing folded garments and personal accessories. The cabinet is beautifully faced with inset burlwoo...

A Korean ceramic celadon bottle vase with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12th century. With an elongated neck that continues dow...

This is a very old cup-shaped earthenware from Korea. It was made in a country called "Kaya" located at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. This is fired at a kiln temperature ...

Bal is a tapestry crafted from traditional Korean knots of cotton ropes and adorned with the Chil-bo (cloisonné) technique, a traditional method for decorating metal objects. This p...

A Korean writing box from the Joseon Dynasty. This is a beautiful and very decorative antique Korean writing box made during the period of the Joseon dynasty, circa 1880. This box h...

A small Korean ceramic celadon bottle vase with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12th century. The vase has a classic baluster form with a slightly flared mouth...

A ceramic stoneware chawan tea bowl made in Korea circa 16-17th century. The chawan is identified as Ko-ido (small ido) due to its size and form. Ido bowls were made since 15th centu...

Korean Celadon  Jar with Four Handles. Goryeo dynasty, 12th century. A stoneware body of baluster form with bulbous high shoulder, four small strap ...

A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu). The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time. Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h. For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...

A Korean ceramic storage jar in the classic shape with broad shoulder, gently tapered body, a short neck with a large opening. The jar is covered in a white glaze and decorated with ...

A Korean Bandaji Chest circa late 19th century toward the end of Joseon Dynasty from Gyeonggi Do. Bandaji is known as drop front half opening chest and was traditionally used to stor...

An antique Korean Wood Chest from Jeon-Ju, North Jeolla Province made in 19th century of late Joseon Dynasty. Constructed in Korean Elm (Zelkova) and pine wood, this two-level chest ...

Anonymous. Korean, 17th century. Joseon period. Hanging scroll. Ink on paper. Seal: Shinso Dimensions: Scroll: H. 200 cm x W. 31 cm (79” x 12”) Image: H. 122 cm x W. 29.5 cm (48” x 11.5”) The grapevine came to China and then Korea from western Asia via the silk road trade routes. By the mid-Joseon period, it was one of the most popular subjects for Korean literati painters. Grapevines were painted as a singular subject or, less commonly, in combination with squirrels, which are associated with children due to their playful nature. Together, grapevines and squirrels embody wishes for abundant offspring and wealth. For the Korean literati artist the twisting vines, curling tendrils and round, plump grapes provided ample opportunity for expressive "brush play”. In this painting the artist has abstracted the scene and is seemingly unconcerned with discontinuities and proportion. Vines spring up from nowhere, grapes hang in random clusters and the squirrel’s head appears as if twisted backwards. For the vines and leaves we can feel a sense of speed in the brushstrokes, imparting a dynamic feel which is at once intense and animated. This contrasts dramatically with the countless tiny strokes of ink which realistically capture the texture of the squirrel’s fur...

Books and Scholars’ Accouterments; Chaekgeori Second half of the 19th century Korean framed panel. Ink and color on paper. This Korean Chaekgeori...

Old Korean garment brush used for hemp textile as scarce exposed type without covered grip, early 20th century, approx. L 24cm (9.44in), in used conditio...

A substantial and fine Korean Bandaji Chest circa late 19th century toward the end of Joseon Dynasty from Gyeonggi Do. Bandaji is known as drop front half opening chest and was an es...

A Korean ceramic celadon vase with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 11th century. Crafted in celadon-glazed ceramic with an olive-green tone, the vase features ...

Korean Earthenware Pedestal Vessel with a gray glaze, Three Kingdoms Period, 57 BC - 668 AD The circular body set on a pedestal foot carved with five rectangular apertures, the flare...

This is a Korean large wood cabinet/chest. The cabinet has two drawers at the top with C-shaped iron handles and below it, there are 3 compartments....

A black lacquered wood wedding box known as Ham in Korea with a conforming stand. Based on the construction and design, the piece is likely dated to early 20th century (Korean Empire...

A striking Korean wedding Bandaji with beautiful original condition and patina circa 19th century (late Joseon Dynasty). Bandaji is known as drop front half-opening chest that was us...

16th/17th Century (or earlier) Korean Baby Buddha. The figure itself stands 10 inches tall, rising to 12 inches on its base. Closely related to item #5663 on my website—an all-bronze example—this piece is particularly unusual in its construction. It features a beautifully rendered bronze face intentionally embedded into a more roughly cast iron body. This appears to be original to its creation, and I have never encountered another Korean sculpture made in this manner. The piece has tremendous presence, with a serene and expressive face that contrasts beautifully with the more primitive iron casting of the body. Old tags attached when I acquired the piece are still present and date it to the 16th/17th century. A smaller, lesser-quality version—also attributed to this period—was offered on eBay for $2,500, supporting the date range. An exceptionally rare and distinctive Korean Buddha...

This lacquered wedding chest dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a bridewealth chest during a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. The exterior is finished with red and black lacquer and decorated with two round medallions conveying blessings of luck (?) and longevity (?). The medallions are surrounded by raised decoration resembling folk paper-cuts in the shape of floral wreaths and phoenixes. The chest opens from the top, secured with a brass lock plate in the form of a butterfly, a traditional symbol of a life of prosperity and joy. Vintage newsprint...

A quiet and elegant Korean white glazed bottle vase, Joseon Dynasty, late 18th century, Korea. The graceful vase beautifully proportioned, resting on a short recessed foot, with a...

The classic Korean chest with three short frieze drawers over double doors with large mounts and a lock. The lower case with a hinged drop front with lock. Iron mounts overall and ca...

A wonderful Korean celadon vase, called a maebyeong, in the Goryeo style, but of early 20th century manufacture. The maebyeong vase with a beaut...

Korean inlaid ceramic celadon oil bottle, of compressed circular form inlaid in black and white slip of three flower blossoms on the shoulder, narrow nec...

A ceramic Chawan (tea bowl) made in Korea for Japanese market circa 17th century. The Chawan is identified as Irabo type. Irabo bowls were considered as a second generation or late p...