Christie’s to Auction Rare Korean Antiquity from the Collection of Mica Ertegun
Jason Yim / Published November 25, 2024 01:25 AM
Jason Yim
ten-panel chaekgeori screen attributed to Yi Taek Gyun (1808–1883), Courtesy of Christie
Christie’s New York has announced the third installment of MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN, a highly anticipated auction series set to take place on December 13. This event will spotlight the exquisite taste and multicultural legacy of Mica Ertegun, the Romanian-born designer and philanthropist. Among the highlights is a rare ten-panel chaekgeori screen attributed to Yi Taek Gyun (1808–1883), a celebrated court painter of Korea’s Joseon dynasty.
The chaekgeori screen is the only Korean antiquity in Ertegun’s renowned collection, believed to have been acquired in antique shops in Paris or London. It previously adorned her New York townhouse, a testament to her refined aesthetic and appreciation for cross-cultural artistry. The artwork intricately depicts a collection of books, stationery, ceramics, and flowers arranged in bookshelves, demonstrating a sophisticated interplay of color and meticulous detail. Known as chaekgado, this genre of painting symbolizes intellectual wealth and cultural aspiration. A similar work by Yi Taek Gyun is housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art, underscoring its significance in Korean art history.
Mica Ertegun, celebrated for her discerning eye, curated a personal collection that spanned over half a century. Her collection graced residences in Manhattan, Southampton, and Paris, showcasing a blend of global influences. The forthcoming auction continues her legacy, with proceeds largely benefiting charitable organizations.
René Magritte, L'empire des lumières (The Empire of Light), Courtesy of Christie
The earlier segments of the Mica Collection auction, held on November 19 and 20, achieved remarkable success, generating a combined total of $188,930,430 (approximately 265 billion KRW). Among the standout sales was René Magritte’s masterpiece, L'empire des lumières (The Empire of Light), which fetched $121.16 million (169 billion KRW) after a 10-minute bidding battle. This record-breaking sale not only marked a new auction high for Magritte but also set the benchmark for surrealist art globally.
The inclusion of Yi Taek Gyun’s chaekgeori screen in the upcoming auction reflects Ertegun’s appreciation for Korean culture and its artistic traditions. As a Joseon court painter, Yi was instrumental in elevating the chaekgado style, which combined artistic innovation with the intellectual aspirations of the time. His works often bridged practicality and symbolism, embodying a deep connection between the physical and intellectual worlds.
Christie’s representative noted that the Mica Collection auction has been instrumental in showcasing the interconnectedness of global art. “This auction is not merely a sale but a tribute to Mica Ertegun’s exceptional vision and her ability to celebrate art from diverse cultures. Her inclusion of a Korean masterpiece reflects her understanding of the universal language of art.”
This auction marks a significant moment for Korean antiquities on the international stage, as chaekgado works are rarely available for public acquisition. It also highlights the broader impact of Ertegun’s philanthropy, with proceeds poised to support charitable initiatives worldwide.
With the December 13 auction fast approaching, art enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly anticipate this opportunity to acquire a piece of history from one of the most esteemed private collections of our time.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
ten-panel chaekgeori screen attributed to Yi Taek Gyun (1808–1883), Courtesy of Christie
Christie’s New York has announced the third installment of MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN, a highly anticipated auction series set to take place on December 13. This event will spotlight the exquisite taste and multicultural legacy of Mica Ertegun, the Romanian-born designer and philanthropist. Among the highlights is a rare ten-panel chaekgeori screen attributed to Yi Taek Gyun (1808–1883), a celebrated court painter of Korea’s Joseon dynasty.
The chaekgeori screen is the only Korean antiquity in Ertegun’s renowned collection, believed to have been acquired in antique shops in Paris or London. It previously adorned her New York townhouse, a testament to her refined aesthetic and appreciation for cross-cultural artistry. The artwork intricately depicts a collection of books, stationery, ceramics, and flowers arranged in bookshelves, demonstrating a sophisticated interplay of color and meticulous detail. Known as chaekgado, this genre of painting symbolizes intellectual wealth and cultural aspiration. A similar work by Yi Taek Gyun is housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art, underscoring its significance in Korean art history.
Mica Ertegun, celebrated for her discerning eye, curated a personal collection that spanned over half a century. Her collection graced residences in Manhattan, Southampton, and Paris, showcasing a blend of global influences. The forthcoming auction continues her legacy, with proceeds largely benefiting charitable organizations.
René Magritte, L'empire des lumières (The Empire of Light), Courtesy of Christie
The earlier segments of the Mica Collection auction, held on November 19 and 20, achieved remarkable success, generating a combined total of $188,930,430 (approximately 265 billion KRW). Among the standout sales was René Magritte’s masterpiece, L'empire des lumières (The Empire of Light), which fetched $121.16 million (169 billion KRW) after a 10-minute bidding battle. This record-breaking sale not only marked a new auction high for Magritte but also set the benchmark for surrealist art globally.
The inclusion of Yi Taek Gyun’s chaekgeori screen in the upcoming auction reflects Ertegun’s appreciation for Korean culture and its artistic traditions. As a Joseon court painter, Yi was instrumental in elevating the chaekgado style, which combined artistic innovation with the intellectual aspirations of the time. His works often bridged practicality and symbolism, embodying a deep connection between the physical and intellectual worlds.
Christie’s representative noted that the Mica Collection auction has been instrumental in showcasing the interconnectedness of global art. “This auction is not merely a sale but a tribute to Mica Ertegun’s exceptional vision and her ability to celebrate art from diverse cultures. Her inclusion of a Korean masterpiece reflects her understanding of the universal language of art.”
This auction marks a significant moment for Korean antiquities on the international stage, as chaekgado works are rarely available for public acquisition. It also highlights the broader impact of Ertegun’s philanthropy, with proceeds poised to support charitable initiatives worldwide.
With the December 13 auction fast approaching, art enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly anticipate this opportunity to acquire a piece of history from one of the most esteemed private collections of our time.
