Walnut Scholar's Objects

A Chinese Huanghuali document box with baitong mounts Late Ming/Early Qing dynasty, 17th/18th century H. 6 x W. 34.8 x D. 17.5 cm Proven...

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 large elm-wood altar or console table with everted flanges or 'qiaotou' (commonly called "birds wings"), supported on recessed trestle legs with multiple carved, stylized ruyi in s...

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...

The finely cast bronze figure of Guanyin - Bodhisattva Goddess of Compassion, Kindness & Mercy. Shown wearing an outer robe finely modelled with cascading folds tied at her waist, h...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elmwood altar console table from the 19th century, with red lacquer and carved apron. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elmwood console tab...

Discover this rare and exquisite shimmering goldstone snuff bottle from the Republic of China period (1910-1940), a representation of the era's refined craftsmanship. Made from the distinctive goldstone, the bottle captivates with its natural sparkle, resembling a night sky strewn with stars. Each side features a pair of gracefully carved cranes...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period low coffee table from the 19th century, with horse hoof legs and distressed patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this low coffee table feat...

Large Zitan Huanghuali hardwood brush pot bitong, Qing Dynasty, 18th century, China Measures: Height 12 diameter 12.75 in.

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period Elmwood wine tasting console table from the 19th century, with humpback stretcher and horse hoof feet. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this El...

An exquisitely hand carved bone Chinese dignitary standing figure portraying a lavishly dressed bearded male. Difficult to date, in our opinion last quarter of the 19th century. ...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period side table from the 19th century, with humpback stretchers and red undertone. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this side table features a squar...