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Large Korean Folding Chaekgeori Books and Scholars' Possessions Floor Screen

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A rare and 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. Chung/Kim.
For a similar ten-fold screen of the period in the collection of Metropolitan Musuem of Art, accession number 2005.385. Another screen in the collection of MFA Boston, accession number 2009.3989.

More Information

Origin:	South Korea
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	paper brocade wood and metal
Condition:	Good. Fine condition with only minor age wear and expected patina that is consistent with age and material.
Creation Date:	early 20th century
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Asian
Incollect Reference #:	550986

Dimensions

W.	17.5 in;	H.	70.2 in;	D.	6 in;
W.	44.45 cm;	H.	178.31 cm;	D.	15.24 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion

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