Paper Scholar's Objects

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 Rare Ottoman Book Depicting The Descendants Of The Rulers Of The Ottoman Empire Till Sultan Abdul Majid, Signed Mohammed Afandi Almuradi Alnagshabandi, 18th Century.

Dated from the 1920s, painted paper on silk brocade. This Thangka depicts Dharmpala, one of the three ancient treasure protectors of Buddhist teaching, this one being named Rahula. It's lineage is from the Nyugna school of Tibetan buddhism. Rahula is related to the eclipse of the sun, moon and other planets. Ruhala is portrayed with the lower body of the coiled serpent and upper body with four arms, nine heads adorned with a thousand eyes representing the nine planets...

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 ...

An antique Burmese set of sixteen double-sided Kammavaca or Buddhist manuscripts, written in Bali in red and black lacquer on a gold leaf ground. This set is accompanied by the original pair of gold leaf and red lacquer pictorial cover boards. Kammavaca are volumes consisting of extracts from the Theravadin Vinaya, that relates to the traditional ceremonies of monks. Together with a manuscript chest...

A rare and beautifully illuminated Quran manuscript from the Timurid period, dating back to the 15th century. The manuscript features intricate floral motifs, vibrant colours, and el...

Antique Thailand sutra bamboo/palm leave book, 1873. There are about 48 pages and are written on double sides with lots of writing. The following handwriting on the Lacquer reads: ...

Description [MEDICINE -- MANUSCRIPT]. Collection of lecture notebooks from courses taken in anatomy, materia medica, and other medical subjects at the Kyoto Imperial University. [Kyo...

Sotheby's; Scholarly Works of Art from the Mary and George Bloch Collection, Hong Kong, October 2005. First edition Hardcover, 202 pp., 149 lots,...

An exquisite Ilan Ha-Gadol of the type historically attributed to the great 17th-century Kabbalist Rabbi Meir Poppers. The Ilan Ha-Gadol - the Great Ilan ('tree')– is a long parchme...

In this ad you get the chance to buy a unique historical object. It is an old Ottoman inkwell made from brass with typical ornaments and little turquoi...

Served as a traveling cabinet as well as a shrine and carried like a backpack for the Buddhist priests and monks during long pilgrimage, this rare chest is known as Oi Japanese. In China the carrier case is known as Ji, traditionally used by the traveling scholars or monks in the ancient time to carry their belongings such as books, clothes, and stationary. The piece on offer here is of Japanese origin and dated to Edo period (circa 17-18th century), possibly older to 16th century of Momoyama or Muromachi period. It was likely reserved for the use of a high-rank priest to carry the Buddhism scripts based on its luxurious high quality. The wood frame takes the shape of a pagoda with carved bamboo design that features upturned corner cornices...

19th century or earlier, Sri Lankan rice paper prayer book tied with wooden binding. Beautiful Objet d'Art with prayers written in beautiful Sinhalese script. Can be separated and...

Exceptional postmodern floor vase. Features a black finish with a blue and purple paper mache around the side.

Yan Zhen born 1930 is a Chinese poet, painter, and calligrapher, best known in China for his writing. Yan has published over 30 works of literature, including poetry, prose, and fict...