A.W. Johnston Co. Antiques Scholar s Objects

A ceramic stem bowl with high cylindrical pedestal foot in white glaze from Korea, circa 18 centuries of late Joseon Dynasty. By shape, this piece appears to be a ceremonial vessel t...

An exceptional and large antique Middle Eastern regal gem set silver intaglio collectors seal ring dating from circa 1900. This large and heavy man’s ring is handcrafted with wonderf...

A small ceramic stemmed dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription in the center from Korea, circa 18-19th cent...

A charming Korean keyaki (Japanese elm), lacquer, and mother-of-pearl inlaid personal accessory chest for a woman, Joseon Dynasty, early 19th century or earlier, Korea. The small ac...

Vintage hand-carved soapstone seal - mythical beast to the top - original presentation/padded fabric covered box - signed - China - mid 20th century. E...

Dating from the early 19th century or Qajar period, this antique hand painted pen box is done in a series of bordered vignettes of Persian men and animals ...

An elegant Korean serving tray / personal dining table, carved and joined zelkova (keyaki) wood, Joseon Dynasty, mid 19th century, Korea. The elegant and sturdy tray table, known as...

Large Chinese export carved soapstone foo dog scholars seal, nicely carved, in two color soapstone, with large seal at base.

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...

Old Korean garment brush used for hemp textile as scarce exposed type without covered grip, early 20th century, approx. L 24cm (9.44in), in used conditio...

A fine porcelain water dropper from Korea circa 19th century of the late Joseon Dynasty. Water dropper is one of the essential scholar objects in the Confucius Joseon society where ink calligraphy was considered an important cultivation of an educated man. The water dropper is a small contained made to drop the water onto the ink stone to grind the ink stick for writing. These miniature objects were made in various forms as little wonders as a desktop accessory for the Scholar's study. The water dropper on offer was made of porcelain and covered in a grey celadon glaze. It was molded in the form of a beach with finely sculpted stalk and leaves. A slight red was dotted on the two openings. The surface also has a carved grape or pomegranate motifs under the glaze. There is some slightly running of the celadon glaze on top. The base has residues of kiln grits. Although the peach form was perhaps one of the most common ones among the Korean water droppers...

A ceramic dish with high cylindrical foot in white glaze with a cobalt blue underglaze inscription from Korea, circa 18-19th century Joseon Dynasty. This is a classic ceremonial vess...