Pottery 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...

An extremely finely carved antique Chinese Qing dynasty, Celadon green triple vase/brush washer with an Imperial Dragon from behind attacking a bird in fro...

Antique 19th century Chinese carved gold gilt and painted wood wall panel or plaque with scholar and warrior figures scene. Signed on back as p...

This is an old Japanese stone object. This stone object has a beautiful black and beige gradation. An art object that gives you a sense of wabi-s...

An antique Okimono (Japanese means artsy display ornament object) displayed on a small custom wood stand from Meiji Period circa early 2oth century. T...

This is a very good 19th century Chinese Export, (Canton) deep plate or dish, which we date to the early 19th century, circa 1820 of the Qing dynasty. The plate has a light green,...

Very unique, one of a kind Chinese calligraphy brush with the fine goat hair, decorated with a beautiful natural goat tail bone. Goat hair is prized for its fine quality, essential f...

A sublime Chinese celadon glazed shallow dish or charger, Qing Dynasty, mid 18th century, China. Beautifully glazed, with a carved decoration of a group of lotus, leaves, stalks and blossoms. The interior wall with radiating S-shaped lines, a motif that is repeated on the wide rim of the dish. The back undecorated. Glazed all-over with an even bright celadon glaze, with some attractive areas of crackle. Ex. Butterfield's, San Francisco. Plate stand for display...

A lovely and luxurious Japanese silver incense burner of lobed melon form, akoda koro, marked jungin and signed Nomura, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The silver koro...

A terracotta earthenware pot from the Southwest of France with mottled green glaze. Minor chips and some rough unglazed patches. These ordinary earthenware vessels were once used dai...

Iconic vintage Mid-Century Modern monumental white cylindrical pot by Architectural Pottery of California. Mark is on the inside bottom. It is in fabulous...

A fine & unusally large antique Tibetan gilded iron pen case, circa 1700. The cylindrical pen case in two parts & made from gilded iron, with finely pierced openwork and engraved dec...