NEW YORK.- Korean ceramics–a relatively rare breed among Asian porcelains treasured by Western collectorss–make a rare appearance Gianguan Auctions March 11 Asia Week sale. The collection of water droppers and vases can be previewed at Gianguan Auctions’ gallery, 39 West 56th Street, or online at www.gianguanauctions.com.

With the Josean Dynasty (1392-1897) came an aesthetic of form, simplicity, and whimsy that recast the design of everyday objets. Notable are the highly-collected Korean water droppers originally used to wet the ink stone of fashionable 19th century literati. For example, Lot 283 is a lion-form water dropper with suppressed spout of underglaze white accentuated by ridges and relief at head and tail overpainted in brown. The 3” X 3” scholars’ desk item is estimated at $1,000. In stark contrast, Lot 282, is an octagonal water dropper in the shape of a dish with spout. Covered all over with white crackle glaze, the 1 1/4” X 2 1/4” collectible will go off at about $500.

Meanwhile, Korean blue and white, decorates Lot 280, a circular water dropper of compressed form. It is decorated in the Daoist manner with eight trigrams representing the fundamental principles of reality encircling a center yin/yang symbol. 2.3” X 2 1/4”, it will find interest at $400. Lot 281 is shaped like a peach, symbol of longevity, and decorated with blue floral flourishes on the top of a white crackle glaze body. Merely 1 3/4” X 2”, it is a gem and very collectible at $500.

Two vases, also of the Josean Dynasty, illustrate excellence in both the potter and the painter’s crafts. Lot 279 is a lantern form vase on a celadon ground with a dramatic battle scene rendered in strong underglaze blue. The 9” vase is estimated at a high of $1,500. Closing out the Korean properties, Lot 279 is a jar with cover that brings together highly sensitive copper red and cobalt blue in an overall pattern of waves, accented by cobalt blue cartouches at the shoulder. The body is surmounted by a copper red cover finished with a blue finial. It is expected to command $1,500.

Gianguan Auctions’ March 11th sale has deep collections of Chinese ceramics, historical and contemporary scroll paintings, and elaborate carved jades and stones. For the full catalog, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com.