Very Rare 19th Century Saenghwang Korean Mouth Organ Musical Reed Instrument of Bamboo and Brass, similar to the Chinese Sheng. Very few antique Saenghwang remain in existence. This instrument is no longer in use, and very few musicians can play it. The last one that we saw for sell was in a Korean Arts auction (31st Hankuk Mesul Kyungmae) several years ago. In the last two photos here, you can see copies of paintings with Saenghwang in them by Korea's two most famous masters, Sin Yun Bok and Ki... Click for details
Nesting Instincts by Korean Basket Artist Joun Sungnim. Joun Sungnim was a featured artist at the 2009 Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. Material: Sedge. Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 4 inches, 38 x 38 x 10 cm. Artist's Description: The moment of the birth of new life preserved in the nest.
19th Century Korean Black Lacquered Mirror Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay of a pair of cranes, representing longevity and marital bliss, and peaches of immortality and abundant and propitious floral and geometric patterns. As is usually the case, the mirror is replaced. 9 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches, 23 x 19 x 11.5 cm.
A large wood rice measure from early 20th century Korea, made in a uniquely Korean shape, adapts nicely to a second life as a plant holder. We have also seen these sturdy containers turned over and used as a stool or small table. Originally used to measure rice, it is made of thick planks of zelkova (keyaki) wood fitted together and held in place with black metal bands. The ear-like handles and heavy bottom obviously are hand-hewn. Hangul characters carved into the side indicate the measurement ... Click for details
Set of Three Red and Black Antique Nesting Sewing Boxes made entirely of hanji (Korean traditional paper), made to resemble the red and black lacquer pieces that only the royal family could use. A very nicely textured example of the old tradition of Korean Hanji (Paper) Art. Large Box: 19 x 12.25 x 4.75 inches, 48 x 31 x 12 cm; Medium Box: 17.5 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches, 44.5 x 27 x 11.5 cm; Small Box: 15.5 x 9 x 4 inches, 39.5 x 23 x 10 cm.
Set of Two Antique Nesting Sewing Boxes made entirely of hanji (Korean traditional paper) covered with applied cut-paper designs and finished with a light oil. Very much like the one in the Brooklyn Museum (see the beautiful full page color photo of Brooklyn's piece on page page 163 of the Korean Art Collection in the Brooklyn Museum, 2006). The Brooklyn box is only one box, whereas this box is two nesting boxes. The Korean Taeguk symbol adorns the lids and sides of each box. The Korean Taeguk s... Click for details
Charming Antique Korean Sewing Box made entirely from hanji, Korean traditional paper, and covered with applied cut-paper designs and finished with a light oil. Two Double Happiness symbols adorn each side of the box. Inside the box is a two-section lidded compartment. A nice example of the old tradition of Korean Hanji (Paper) Art. 11.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches, 29 x 29 x 14 cm.
Pair of Large Painted Korean Buddhist Temple Architectural Sculpture (Byeoljihwa) with painted lotuses that are imbued with profound symbolism in Buddhism of rebirth and purity, and attached painted pullocho, the mythical longevity plant, projecting in in a row from the front. In the Dancheong painting method used in Korean temple design, each color was applied by a different artist. A fine and rare example of old Korean Buddhist folk art and a striking piece of architectural sculpture that disp... Click for details
Beautifully Rendered and Painted Korean Rooster Funerary Figure. Funerary figures (kkoktu), were used on the funeral bier. Traditionally, these figures would be burned after their use, but thankfully this one survived the pyre and what was intended to be an ephemeral existence. It was removed to the home and used as a good luck and guardian figure to bless and protect the home. The rooster’s comb symbolizes intelligence; traditional officials’ hats are based on the comb. The claws mean strength.... Click for details
Set of Three Korean Phoenix Funerary Figures. These funerary figures (kkoktu) were used on the funeral bier with one on the front and one on each side of the bier. Traditionally, these figures would be burned after their use, but thankfully this set survived the pyre and what was intended to be an ephemeral existence. They were removed to the home and used as good luck and guardian figures to bless and protect the home. In Korea, the phoenix is a symbol of justice, peace, and royalty. Each figur... Click for details
