depicting an astronomical chart with constellations and informational text in Chinese and Korean, mounted on paper backing with gold floral silk brocade borders, image 61-1/2 x 33 in., overall 71-1/2 x 39-1/2 in.

Note: This "Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunya Jido" (天象列次分野之圖 천상열차분야지도) Astronomical Celestial Constellation Map is one of the most famous and well-studied in Korea. Prints, such as this lot, were commissioned and distributed throughout Korea starting in the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) continuing up to the early 20th century. Mounted as a hanging scroll, it shows the 1,467 stars visible from Korea, 264 constellations and their names, the ecliptic and equatorial lines, and 365 scales around. It was compiled through a combination of a Goguryeo (Three Kingdoms Period) Star Map with more recent observations of the Joseon Dynasty scholars. It is originally based on the 14th century royal carved stone stele (1395 AD) commissioned during the reign of King Taejo (r. 1392-1398) and now housed in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Seoul, Korea.

Provenance: Formerly in the Private Collection of Dr. Leon Sinder (acquired in Korea early 1960s); Private Collection, Florida

paper with light toning, handling creases and cracking to paper throughout, a few small holes at scroll edges