Preliminary identification

Korean White Porcelain Openwork Blue and White Dragon Brush Pot by An Dong-oh

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

An exquisite Korean white porcelain (baekja) openwork brush pot featuring a dynamically carved dragon amidst swirling clouds, accented with cobalt blue underglaze. This piece represents a masterful modern revival of Joseon Dynasty royal court porcelain traditions, housed in its original signed wooden box (tomobako).

Story

Master potter An Dong-oh dedicated his life to reviving the lost secrets of Joseon royal white porcelain. This brush pot, with its soaring dragon, was made to grace the desk of a modern scholar, carrying centuries of imperial prestige.

Maker / Origin

An Dong-oh (1919–1989) was a legendary figure in modern Korean ceramics, widely celebrated for his role in reviving traditional Joseon white porcelain. He established the Tobong Kiln in Gyeonggi Province, where he meticulously researched historical glazes and clay bodies, earning immense respect both in Korea and Japan for his technical mastery.

Condition & Value

The brush pot appears to be in excellent condition with no visible cracks, chips, or repairs to the delicate openwork. The original wooden box shows minor age-related toning but remains structurally sound, preserving the value of the set.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.