A Pair of Korean Books and Scholars’ Accoutrements (Chaekgeori) Paintings, Joseon Period, 19th Century
十九世紀 朝鮮王朝《冊架圖》兩幅

Joseon Period, 19th Century

ink and color on paper, framed and glazed.

Chaekgeori (paintings of books and associated things) are Korean still-life paintings that flourished during the latter part of the Joseon period. These paintings often feature an array of books, scholarly implements, and decorative objects, symbolizing the Confucian ideals of knowledge and refinement. Characterized by the use of three-dimensional effects and reversed perspective—where distant objects appear larger than those in the foreground—chaekgeori compositions create a distinctive spatial illusion that flattens the pictorial surface. This unique treatment, combined with intricate decorative patterns, lends the paintings a highly graphic and ornamental quality. Unlike Western still-life traditions, chaekgeori did not strive for realism; rather, they served as visual expressions of cultural values, emphasizing the virtues of scholarship and intellectual pursuit. Typically displayed in studios and educational settings, these paintings reinforced the reverence for learning that was central to Joseon society.

Each image: 48 x 27 in., 122 x 68.6 cm.

Property from a Breakers Row Residence, Palm Beach, Florida.

This lot is located in New York.