Attributed to Lee Taek-Gyun
(Korean, 1808-after 1883)
李宅均（款）
（朝鮮王朝，1808-1883以后）
《冊架圖》四扇屏

Joseon Period, 19th Century

Books and Scholars’ Accoutrements (Chaekgeori)
Ink and color on paper, four-panel floor screen, ebonized wood frame.
Hidden seal to the bottom left corner of the first panel from left.

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 using 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.

This chaekgeori screen is significant, as a seal is bearing the painter’s name on the top shelf of the fourth panel from the right. During the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), court painters could not sign their names on their artworks, but Lee Taek-gyun playfully imprinted his name on a seal placed in the painting. Lee, a court painter during the nineteenth century, came from a family of court painters. The name he used before 1864 was Lee Eungrok, from 1864 to 1871, he used the name Lee Hyeongrok, after 1871, he changed his name to Lee Taekgyun.

For similar examples from the same artist, see a set of eight-panel floor screens in the collection of Asian Art Museum San Francisco, accession no. 1998.111; And a set of ten-panel floor screens offered in Christie's New York, March 23, 2011, Sale 2426 Japanese & Korean Art, lot 992, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, accession no. 2011.37; And another set of ten-panel floor screens offered in Christie's New York, December 13, 2024, Sale 23872 Mica: The Collection of Mica Ertegun Part III, lot 1078, sold to Seoul Museum of Craft Art.

Total height 55 x width 78 in., 139.7 x 198.1 cm.

Property from the Estate of the Late Robin and Rupert Hambro.

Provenance:

Property from the estate of the late Robin and Rupert Hambro, London.

來源：

伦敦Robin及Rupert Hambro夫妇遺產。

Rupert Nicholas Hambro (1943-2021) was a distinguished British banker, businessman, and philanthropist, best known for his leadership in finance and his patronage of the arts. Born into the renowned Hambro banking dynasty, he was the son of Jocelyn Hambro and a direct descendant of Carl Joachim Hambro, founder of the historic Hambros Bank. After being educated at Eton College, he began his career at Hambros Bank, eventually serving as its chairman from 1983 to 1986.

Beyond banking, Hambro played a pivotal role in corporate leadership, holding directorial positions at major institutions such as The Telegraph Group and the British Museum Development Trust. His keen eye for business led him to co-found and chair Hambro Perks, an early-stage investment firm supporting entrepreneurial ventures.

An ardent collector and connoisseur, Rupert Hambro, alongside his wife, Robin, assembled an extraordinary collection of fine art and antiques. The couple’s refined aesthetic was reflected in their interiors, which blended English and French decorative arts with a deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship. Their collection, celebrated for its elegance and scholarly significance, was offered at Christie’s London in June 2023, showcasing their passion for collecting across generations.

In addition to his business and collecting pursuits, Hambro was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting cultural institutions and charitable causes throughout his lifetime. His legacy endures not only in the financial world but also in the art world, where his discerning taste and contributions continue to be recognized.

Attributed to Lee Taek-Gyun(Korean, 1808-after 1883)李宅均（款）（朝鮮王朝，1808-1883以后）《冊架圖》四扇屏

Attributed to Lee Taek-Gyun(Korean, 1808-after 1883)李宅均（款）（朝鮮王朝，1808-1883以后）《冊架圖》四扇屏

Attributed to Lee Taek-Gyun
(Korean, 1808-after 1883)
李宅均（款）
（朝鮮王朝，1808-1883以后）
《冊架圖》四扇屏

Attributed to Lee Taek-Gyun
(Korean, 1808-after 1883)
李宅均（款）
（朝鮮王朝，1808-1883以后）
《冊架圖》四扇屏