Korean Minhwa Dragon Painting, Joseon Dynasty, Late 19th Century

A large and incredible Japanese painting of a Buddhist temple hall with Amida Nyorai, late Edo or early Meiji period, mid-19th century, Japan. Mounted wit...

A delightful Japanese six panel painted paper screen featuring the beloved figure Hotei, Edo Period, early 19th century. Hotei, called Budai in China, and known as the Laughing Buddha or Fat Buddha in the West, is considered to be an emanation of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. In Japan, he also holds a special place as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, being the god of fortune, and protector of children. He is always portrayed as a mirthful and corpulent man, dressed in loose robes that show off his round belly. He carries a sack with him, said to be filled with treasure. As the protector of children, he is often portrayed with them playing on or around him, as he is here. The children portrayed in this screen are dressed in Chinese style clothing...

A sublime and well carved Korean lacquered and gilt wood figure of Amitabha Buddha (Amita Bul), Joseon Dynasty, early 19th century, Korea. The Budd...

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...

A Korean Folk Art painting mounted as a hanging scroll. The watercolor on paper was likely dated from 1930s-1940s. The work depicts a "Jakhodo" theme (...

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...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period framed painting from the 19th century of an official's wife with bird-adorned buzi, painted on a linen canvas. Created in the North-Eastern province of Shanxi during the Qing dynasty, this 19th century painting showcases a frontal depiction of an official's wife recognizable thanks to the bird-themed rank badge sitting on an elegant armchair with scrolling arms and carved apron. Wearing a red robe and topped with an ornate headdress, the figure is highlighted with gold foil accents and stands out beautifully on a linen canvas. The print size is 17.5"W x 41.5"H. These paintings traditionally come from Shanxi province which was home to many of the wealthy merchant families associated with the imperial court during the Qing dynasty. Set inside a custom made frame, this 19th century Qing Dynasty official's wife painting...

An antique Indian painting from the 19th century depicting Guanyin the Bodhisattva of Compassion sitting on a dragon. Created in India during the 19th century, this large painting features Guanyin the Bodhisattva of Compassion, sitting on the head of a dragon. Her right foot on a lotus flower, Guanyin wears an ornate headdress and elegant clothes. The painting itself measures 27.5"W x 53.5" H and has been set inside a custom frame. With its vivid colors and elegant subject, this 19th century Indian painting...