Catalog (52)

Rare and Slightly Subversive 19th Century Korean Painting of the Medicine Buddha, Yak Bul, seated on a lotus blossom throne and accompanied by an attendant. A strategically placed phallic ginseng emerges from the center of his robe in a reference to its legendary powers of virility. The attendant stares directly at it as a form disguised in his garment emerges straight up from the center of his body, as well, while he holds his fan erect. At the time, state censors regulated publicly displayed paintings like this one. But this artful artist got this one past some less-observant censors. He had some sneaky fun creating a benevolent Buddha with an uncommonly sly grin blessing and inspiring eager couples who shared his sense of humor. Ink and colors on traditional hanji paper. Frame: 36 x 24 inches (91.5 x 61 cm), Painting: 29.5 x 18.5 inches (75 x 47 cm).

You rarely see 19th Century Korean tiger paintings offered for sale anymore. When they do come up in auctions now, they sell for more than we are asking here. That's because there is nothing anywhere like Joseon Era Korean tiger folk paintings. Tigers in Korean paintings are not ferocious. They are humorous and full of personality. And each one is unique, like this fellow here being addressed by the magpie. This was a favorite symbol of the common folks and represented the people speaking truth to power. The pine tree is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. Ink and colors on traditional old hanji paper. Korean tiger folk paintings are never signed. 30.75 x 30 inches (78 x 76 cm).

Painting of Peonies by Park No Soo aka Nam Jeong (1927-2013). Just the first page of a google search reveals both the acclaim that Park No Soo gained internationally, and the adoration he received in Korea. His style and palette is instantly recognizable. Here, the flowers are so vibrant they seem to be moving. This beautiful, contemplative painting is a fine example of his inimitable, expressive brushwork. The peony, with its large and abundant petals, is an ancient symbol of love and prosperity in Korea. The Park No Soo Museum opened in 2013 in Seoul's Jongno District, Jongno's first public museum. Park No Soo was a student of Yi Sang Beom, who was a student of An Jung Sik, who was a student of Jang Seung Eop, the very best possible lineage of Korean art royalty. Watercolors and ink on paper. Frame: 26.5 x 22 inches, 67 x 56 cm; Painting: 20 x 15.5 inches, 51 x 39 cm.

The Famous Mad Monk Jung Kwang Sunim's Largest Zen Crane Painting. Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002) of Jeju Island. This is the largest painting by Jung Kwang we have ever seen. The third photo here is from a prominent dealer's "sale" going on right now on Jung Kwang paintings, where you will see the prices are several times higher than mine for smaller paintings. This other gallery has been in business for over forty years and has sold to many of the major museums. A google search of Jung Kwang Mad Monk will reveal the fascinating life of this character, and you'll find this movie about him (http://www.piff.org/eng/html/archive/arc_search_view.asp?idx=1314&target=search&c_idx=18&m_entry_year=2002) and this exhibition at the Seoul Art Center (http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110807000244) and this book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mad-Monk-Paintings-Lancaster-Miller/dp/0895810174) and more. He and his work have been featured on CNN, PBS, NHK, and other major broadcasters. He was a famous monk, artist, poet, and actor. His unique paintings are instantly recognizable by their zen approach to form and color. Please look closely at this painting to get a sense of the spiritual quality of the artist's brushwork. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity. It has further symbolic meaning in Buddhism. The bodhisattvas change themselves into cranes so that they can fly all over the world visiting and helping people. The buyer of this fine painting will receive a PDF file compilation of Jung Kwang Sunim's poems, and a bio. You'll laugh and cry when you read "Zen Poems 1". The recent exhibition of Jung Kwang Sunim's work at the Zen Buddhist Temple in New York City was the most highly-attended exhibition ever presented by the Korean Art Society. At that exhibition, Jung Kwang Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. The fourth photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2500 for a painting of similar style and smaller size by Jung Kwang Sunim. Ink and color on paper. Frame: 37 x 36 inches (94 x 91.5 cm), Painting: 25.5 x 24 inches (65 x 61 cm).

Zen Painting of Crane Under Moon by the Famous Korean Jeju Island Monk, Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002). Mounted on a beautiful midnight blue silk scroll. The third photo here is from a prominent dealer's "sale" going on right now on Jung Kwang paintings, where you will see the prices are several times higher than mine. This other gallery has been in business for over forty years and has sold to many of the major museums. A google search of Jung Kwang Mad Monk will reveal the fascinating life of this character, and you'll find this movie about him (http://www.piff.org/eng/html/archive/arc_search_view.asp?idx=1314&target=search&c_idx=18&m_entry_year=2002) and this exhibition at the Seoul Art Center (http://nwww.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20110807000244) and this book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Mad-Monk-Paintings-Lancaster-Miller/dp/0895810174) and more. He and his work have been featured on CNN, PBS, NHK, and other major broadcasters. He was a famous monk, artist, poet, and actor. His unique paintings are instantly recognizable by their zen approach to form and color. Please look closely at this painting to get a sense of the spiritual quality of the artist's brushwork. The crane is an ancient symbol of longevity. It has further symbolic meaning in Buddhism. The bodhisattvas change themselves into cranes so that they can fly all over the world visiting and helping people. The moon is also an ancient symbol of longevity in Korea. The buyer of this fine painting will receive a PDF file compilation of Jung Kwang Sunim's poems, and a bio. You'll laugh and cry when you read "Zen Poems 1". The recent exhibition of Jung Kwang Sunim's work at the Zen Buddhist Temple in New York City was the most highly-attended exhibition ever presented by the Korean Art Society. At that exhibition, Jung Kwang Sunim's works of similar size and quality sold for multiples of the prices we are asking here. The fourth photo here shows a wall label from that exhibition with a price of $2500 for a painting of similar style and slightly smaller size by Jung Kwang Sunim. Ink and color on paper. Silk Scroll: 43 x 19.5 inches (109 x 49.5 cm), Painting: 24.5 x 13 inches (62 x 33 cm).

A Superior Example of a Rare 19th Century Korean Hwajodo Bird and Flower Painting filled with ancient symbolism. This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful hwajodo we have ever had. These paintings were never signed, but this anonymous artist possessed superior skill and artistry. The pair of cranes symbolize eternal love, because cranes were believed to mate for life. The peonies symbolize love and prosperity. The rocks symbolize eternity. So the two combine to grant the wish for eternal prosperous love. That theme is reinforced here by the mythical bullocho longevity plants. The exquisitely rendered pine tree here is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. And finally, the clouds are also a longevity symbol. So the entire composition represents a beautiful and eternal marriage guided by wisdom and love and filled with prosperity. Frame: 32 x 14 inches, 81 x 35.5 cm. Painting: 21 x 9 inches, 53.5 x 23 cm.

Rare Pair of Orchids and Rocks Paintings by Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921), beautifully framed. Orchids are an ancient Korean symbol of purity, modesty, and virtue. The rock symbolizes eternity, so the combination of orchids and rock have the meaning of eternal adherence to principle. The orchid grows in remote places, but its fragrance spreads over the land, just as the scholar often works in isolation, but through their scholarly and ethical works their influence is felt throughout the land. Talented painters of orchids were and still are held in the highest regard. Though Daewongun (Prince Yi Ha Eung) is often cited as the greatest painter of orchids, most scholars now agree it was Kim Eung Won who was creating many of the paintings for which Prince Daewongun took credit and which Daewongun signed. Daewongun was, of course, a great painter of orchids, but most agree now that Kim Eung Won may deserve the title of greatest. His paintings sell for a fraction of the price of Daewongun's paintings, at least for now. That can be expected to change as the general public catches up with the scholarship on the subject. The last photo here is from a sale at another gallery where the prices on similar paintings by Kim Eung Won are several times higher than the price we are asking here for this fine and rare pair. Ink on paper. Each Frame: 61.5 x 18.5 inches, 156 x 47 cm. Each Painting: 48 x 12 inches, 122 x 30.5 cm. (A much smaller single Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

Orchids and Rocks Painting by Kim Eung Won aka Soho (1855-1921), beautifully framed. Orchids are an ancient Korean symbol of purity, modesty, and virtue. The rock symbolizes eternity, so the combination of orchids and rock have the meaning of eternal adherence to principle. The orchid grows in remote places, but its fragrance spreads over the land, just as the scholar often works in isolation, but through their scholarly and ethical works their influence is felt throughout the land. Talented painters of orchids were and still are held in the highest regard. Though Daewongun (Prince Yi Ha Eung) is often cited as the greatest painter of orchids, most scholars now agree it was Kim Eung Won who was creating many of the paintings for which Prince Daewongun took credit and which Daewongun signed. Daewongun was, of course, a great painter of orchids, but most agree now that Kim Eung Won may deserve the title of greatest. His paintings sell for a fraction of the price of Daewongun's paintings, at least for now. That can be expected to change as the general public catches up with the scholarship on the subject. The last photo here is from a sale at another gallery where the prices on similar paintings by Kim Eung Won are several times higher than the price we are asking here for this fine painting. Ink on paper. Frame: 61.5 x 21 inches, 156 x 53 cm. Painting: 52 x 12.75 inches, 132 32.5 cm. (A much smaller Daewongun painting sold at Christie's for $12,500 on March 18, 2014).

Painting of Peaches by the Last Korean Princess Yi Bangja, one of Korea's most revered artists and beloved humanitarians. The peach is an ancient longevity symbol in Korea. The fruit of the mythical Heavenly Peach tree ripens only once every three thousand years and is eaten by the immortals when they gather for their feast at Yao Lake at the the abode of Seowangmo, the Queen Mother of the West. You now have the rare opportunity to own a beautiful work of art and an important piece of Korean history created by the last member of the royal household to reside in Korea's royal palace. Princess Yi Bangja devoted her entire life to the education of mentally and physically handicapped people, and worked tirelessly to support them. She is the subject of television and stage dramas, operas, movies, and books, including her autobiography, "The World is One." Frame: 27.5 x 20.5 inches, 70 x 52 cm. Painting: 21 x 14 inches, 53.5 x 35.5 cm. The frame of this painting matches exactly the frame of the painting of camellias here by Yi Bangja (Stock #1575). That and their complementary meanings make the two paintings a perfect pair.

Painting of Camellias by the Last Korean Princess Yi Bangja, one of Korea's most revered artists and beloved humanitarians. The camellia is a symbol of faithfulness and, according to tradition, they have been used in Korean weddings since 1200 BC. The large rock in the painting is a longevity symbol. When the camellia is depicted with the rock the combination gives the ancient symbolic meaning of eternal adherence to principle and is a poetic representation of undying faithfulness. You now have the rare opportunity to own a beautiful work of art and an important piece of Korean history created by the last member of the royal household to reside in Korea's royal palace. Princess Yi Bangja devoted her entire life to the education of mentally and physically handicapped people, and worked tirelessly to support them. She is the subject of television and stage dramas, operas, movies, and books, including her autobiography, "The World is One." Frame: 25.5 x 23 inches, 62 x 58.5 cm. Painting: 18.5 x 16 inches, 47 x 40.5 cm. The frame of this painting matches exactly the frame of the painting of peaches here by Yi Bangja (Stock #1576). That and their complementary meanings make the two paintings a perfect pair.

Rare Diptych Painting by the First Korean American Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Painted in 2006. Frame: 32 x 23 inches, 81 x 58.5 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Rare Quadriptych Painting by the First Korean American Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Painted in 2006. Frame: 24 x 15 inches, 61 x 38 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Landscape with Tree Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Painted in 1994. Frame: 25.5 x 15 inches, 65 x 38 cm. Painting: 20 x 10 inches, 51 x 25.5 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Landscape with Tree Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Painted in 1998. Frame: 33 x 14 inches, 84 x 35.5 cm. Painting: 29.5 x 10.5 inches, 75 x 27 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Twisting Dragon painted in 2002 by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 29 x 15.5 inches, 74 x 39 cm. Painting: 25.5 x 12.5 inches, 65 x 32 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual market value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

2005 Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 26 x 22 inches, 66 x 56 cm. Painting: 22.5 x 18.5 inches, 57 x 47 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

Rare Early Ink Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013) painted in 1963. Ink on paper. Frame: 53 x 31.5 inches, 135 x 80 cm. Painting: 48.5 x 27 inches, 123 x 69 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".

1996 Painting by Renowned Korean Artist Don Ahn aka Ahn Dong Kuk (1937-2013). Acrylic on paper. Frame: 28 x 14 inches, 71 x 35 cm. Painting: 23.5 x 9.5 inches, 60 x 24 cm. We encourage you to research Don Ahn's sales record and market prices on sites such as Artsy, so you can appreciate what a great opportunity this is to purchase an original work of art by the master at a price well below the actual value. Don Ahn was a pioneer of Korean art in America. In the 1950s he was the first to move permanently to the US and receive recognition here, beginning with the 1952 exhibition of his work at the Kilbride Bradley Gallery in Minneapolis, the very first exhibition of Korean contemporary art in America. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and other major museums. There was recently an exhibition of Don Ahn's work at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. See also preeminent art critic Holland Cotter's review of Don Ahn's work in the April 4, 1997 New York Times article, Of Asians Among the Abstractionists, where he describes Don's paintings as "Exuberant" and "Inspired by Zen brushwork".