A.W. Johnston & Co. Antiques Scholar's Objects

An exceptional and large antique Middle Eastern regal gem set silver intaglio collectors seal ring dating from circa 1900. This large and heavy man’s ring is handcrafted with wonderf...

A small ceramic stemmed dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription in the center from Korea, circa 18-19th cent...

An antique Korean ritual incense burner circa 19th century, late Joseon dynasty. It was made in Bunwon Kiln in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Do, near Seoul. The ceramic container has a thickly b...

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...

An elegant Korean serving tray / personal dining table, carved and joined zelkova (keyaki) wood, Joseon Dynasty, mid 19th century, Korea. The elegant and sturdy tray table, known as...

Vietnamese wood seal, made of wood, and metal. It dates from the end of the 19th century around 1880 and is in good condition.

Chinese Qing Dynasty Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Wood Scholar's Seal Stand, 19th Century An exceptional 19th-century Chinese scholar’s seal s...

South East Asian document/storage box, Thailand or Burma, circa 1940s, decorated with figures and animals, done in an embossed style in black and brown...

Dating from the early 19th century or Qajar period, this antique hand painted pen box is done in a series of bordered vignettes of Persian men and animals ...

A set of five carved wood print blocks from Korea circa 1900s (late Joseon to early Korean Empire period). Constructed and hand-chiseled from hardwood, the printing blocks were finel...

Large Chinese export carved soapstone foo dog scholars seal, nicely carved, in two color soapstone, with large seal at base.

Dating from the Qajar period, this cast iron pen case is highly and intricately engraved with a scroll patterned motif which has been inlaid with gold accents. The fitted top holds f...