Korean Furniture

A rare and very well-preserved 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 household and used it 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 folky charm 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 Korean folk painting watercolor on linen (silk) with a cloth mat and walnut wood frame. The work is in the shamanistic style and depicts the Bud...

A Korean Folk Art painting watercolor on silk mounted with brocade border and framed. The watercolor was likely dated from late 19th century to the tur...

It is a Korean wooden wooden box made around the 19th century. This is made to store rice. In the 19th century, it was the Joseon Dynasty. Furniture with a design unique to this e...

Fascinating four-panel hunting screen painted in Korea depicting Mongolian hunters. The panels are crafted from wood and the hunt scenes are painted on ...

A wonderfully charming Korean Minhwa Jakhodo painting on silk of a spotted tiger with her cub under a pine tree, a magpie in the branches above them, Jos...

A 19th century Korean wood chest with German silver hardware. The chest features exquisite metalwork of different shapes throughout the face of the chest.

A 19th century Korean wood chest with German silver hardware. The chest features exquisite metalwork of different shapes throughout the face of the chest.

Late 19th-early 20th century carved zelcova (elm) wood Buddhist temple gong, Korea There is some mystery surrounding this folk carving, but it appears to be in the image of a Buddhi...

A Korean drop front chest in elmwood, with two handles on the sides. The front of this Korean chest is heavily overlaid with incised white brass decor...