Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Korean: Sculpture (3)

Very Rare Painted Wood 19th Century Korean Funerary Figure (Kkokdu). These are so rare that it has been twenty years since we last had one for sale. Kkokdu were guardian figures that were believed to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. They were burned after the funeral, so very few have survived. There are a couple of kkokdu museums in Korea that have acquired just about all of the remaining kkokdu. So don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a vital piece of Korean Joseon Era culture. Height: 10.25 inches, 26 cm.

Large 19th Century Painted Wood Sculpture of a Benevolent Scholar Administrator. Large-scale antique Korean wood sculpture is rare. This one is beautifully rendered with splendid attire and the compassionate face of the idealized scholar administrator. This is the type of sympathetic official written of in ancient fables and that one hoped to face when they had to plead their case. It is a wonderful example of emotion elicited from wood and paint by a talented anonymous artist. He is holding a peach which represents the abundant peach trees whose fruit provides longevity and sustenance in the Land of the Immortals who he calls upon for wisdom and guidance. The peach seed is an ancient symbol of benevolence. The word for kernel sounds the same as the word for benevolence or kind-heartedness, ideal qualities for a man in his position. 30.5 x 13.5 x 5.5 inches, 77.5 x 34 x 14 cm.

Rare Antique Korean Funerary Figure (Kkokdu) with much of its original pigment still intact. From a renowned and published New York collection. One of the finer examples we have seen. 11.5 inches, 29.5 cm.