Memorial to Kim Koo by Chung Young Gok aka Kang Ho, a friend of Kim Koo. The second and third photos here are of Chung Young Gok with Kim Koo. The calligraphy states that it was composed on the occasion of a 1978 memorial ceremony to Kim Koo (1876 - 1949), the leader of the independence movement during Japan's occupation of Korea. The ceremony was at Baek Beom Sa Buddhist temple...

Japanese 4-panel byobu folding screen, with a shochikubai or "Three Friends of Winter" motif (plum, pine, and bamboo), the image of a pheasant seated upon a jagged rock formation, with a small singing bird on the twisting trunk of the plum tree. The image was taken directly from a commemorative stamp which is affixed to the corner of the frame.

20th century

Size: 65.6" L x 36" H

Beautifully Framed Zen Buddhist Painting of a Pair of Cranes Flying Past the Moon by the Famous Korean Jeju Island Monk, Ko Chang Nyul aka Jung Kwang Sunim aka the Mad Monk (1935-2002). 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...

Very Large, Nearly Five-Feet-Wide Mountain and Waterfall by Kim Ki Chang aka Unbo (1913 - 2001) in it's original stunning frame. Despite being deaf, Unbo was one of Korea's most beloved 20th Century artists. His works are now sought by museums and collectors internationally. In this original and very large signed lithograph, Unbo gives us an inspiring depiction of blue-green mountains with a mountaintop lake and waterfall...

Shaman's Feast Woodblock Print on Traditional Hanji Paper by Hong Sung Dam in 1982 (21 x 15 inches, 53.5 x 38 cm, including margins). Hong Sung Dam is a woodblock print artist who was a leader of the minjung, the peoples' political movement that arose from the ashes of the Gwangju Massacre where the Korean government slaughtered hundreds (some witnesses say thousands) of their own citizens in the streets in response to demonstrations in Gwangju...

Two glazes meet in the banded center of this deep Mashiko Tsutsu-chawan by Mingei Master and Living National Treasure Hamada Shoji enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kake-Ai-Yu Dohimo Chawan.  The shape is very much in the Mashiko tradition, with a prominent ridge in the center (Do means the midriff, and himo is a line or chord) of a strong form which exudes confidence and strength born from utilitarian purpose.  It is a superb example of work by this most sought artist. 
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Painting of Scholar Under Moonlit Plum Blossoms by Park No Soo aka Nam Jeong (1927-2013). Just the first page of a google search reveals both the renown that Park No Soo enjoyed internationally, and the adoration he received locally in Korea. His minimal style and palette is instantly recognizable, and this beautiful, contemplative painting is a fine example of his inimitable, expressive brushwork, from the silvery-blue sliver of a moon, to the unique rendering of orchids and rocks...

Rare Framed Calligraphy by the Last Korean Princess, Yi Bangja (1901 - 1989). A beautiful piece of Korean history created by the last member of the royal household to reside in Korea's royal palace. Princess Yi Bangja is much beloved by the Korean people. She devoted her entire life to the education of mentally and physically handicapped people, and worked tirelessly to support them...

Oversized limited edition etching and relief print by Ouchi Makoto (1926-1989) titled “Yuki” (“Snow”). It is undated, but likely dates from the 1970s. The image is pencil-signed, numbered 13/35, and titled in kanji in the lower section. The paper size is: 37”V x 25”H. Very good overall condition. There is a small abrasion in the paper just under the penciled kanji title and the paper in the upper left corner is slightly wrinkled...

Rei Yuki (1928-2003)
Coincidence (Guzen)
Edition: 4/60
Pencil signed, titled and numbered.
Not dated.
Paper size: 12.5 x 10.25 inches.
Condition: The back has light tape marks. The paper is thinner at the upper right corner margin.

Unusual Low root wood table, beautiful golden color wood, the top is a cross section with dramatic burl grain radiating from the center like run rays, the base is made of a section of tree trunk. Size: 20" high x 36" long x 27" wide

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 3.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. This particular shape was called an "ezuko" (basket child) in the local Miyagi vernacular. The artisan was Sakurai Shouji, who was born on January 1st, 1927 (Showa 2.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1960's or 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, plase see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

A vintage Japanese 2 section Kamo Kimono Tansu chest made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia). All original hardware with maker's name engraved into the main lock plate. Upper section features two large hinged doors behind which are 8 kimono trays for storing textiles. The lower section has 3 drawers for additional spacious storage...

A vintage Japanese Sado Mizuya (kitchenette for tea ceremony) made of Hinoki (Cypress). Used for storing tea bowls, brush whisks, ladles, tea caddies and various tea ceremony accoutrements. Bottom left drawer is copper lined to hold water that is drained from the bamboo grill above that holds newly washed bowls. Various shelves and hanging posts used for organizing and storage...

Form and Texture, a beautiful white vase by Taniguchi Ryozo enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 8-1/2 inches (22 cm) tall and in fine condition, dating circa 1973.
Ryozo (1926-1996) studied initially under Kiyomizu Rokubei VI...

Japanese framed print by sosaku-hanga artist Haku Maki (1924-2000) titled "Work 73-122". Depiction of a bright embossed persimmon against black background. Signed in pencil with red artist's cartouche. Set in a black and gold wooden frame. Size: 17.25" height, 14" width (entire frame) 11.25" height, 8.5" width

Chinese monochrome gourd-shaped vase, made of glazed raspberry porcelain. The vase could be considered an item of good fortune, as gourds symbolize luck and fertility in Chinese culture. Qianlong mark on bottom, 20th century. Size: 8.5" tall, 4" wide

A kaki (persimmon) is playfully rendered in orange and green on the wide white sides of this green bordered square bottle by Avant-garde Sodeisha Potter Kumakura Junkichi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 15 x 6.5 x 12 cm (6 x 2-1/2 x 5 inches) and in excellent condition.
Junkichi began working in ceramics in the 1940s, his works submitted to innumerable National and International Exhibitions including the Japan Art Festival, New York and the international Arts and Craf...