Sang-Byeok Cat Paperweight – Glass Half Dome with Korean Art, 3”W

Sang-Byeok Cat Paperweight – Korean Art in Glass

This elegant cat paperweight features artwork by Byeon Sang-byeok, a renowned Korean painter of the late Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Sang-byeok was celebrated for his naturalistic animal art and earned the nickname “Byeon Cat.” His paintings show careful observation, expressive brushwork, and a remarkable sensitivity to detail. This paperweight adapts one of his most charming feline studies into a functional art object.

The image depicts a black and tabby cat gazing upward with bright, rounded eyes. Fine whiskers, striped markings, and a gently curled tail express curiosity and graceful movement. In Korean culture, cats often symbolized protection against misfortune, making this cat paper weight a gift associated with good fortune and quiet guardianship. The half-dome glass enhances the clarity of the artwork and gives the piece a jewel-like presence on any desk.

• Glass half-dome paperweight featuring traditional Korean artwork.
• Art by Byeon Sang-byeok, admired for naturalistic studies of cats and birds.
• Part of the Parastone Museum Gift Collection, known for transforming world art into accessible, functional objects.
• Presented in an elegant sateen-lined box, ideal for corporate or personal gifts.
• Measures 3”W × 3”L × 1.5”H, weighs 0.9 lbs. PN PBYE1.

About Byeon Sang-byeok

Byeon Sang-byeok was active during the early 18th century and served as a painter at the royal court. He produced sensitive studies of cats, dogs, and birds, which stood out among Joseon artists. His ability to capture posture, personality, and motion earned him lasting admiration. This cat paperweight reflects his skill with delicate brush lines and precise shading.

Byeon’s paintings belong to a broader tradition of Korean naturalistic art. Artists of the Joseon Dynasty often portrayed everyday subjects with elegant simplicity. These works balanced observation with expressive line work, resulting in quiet scenes that carried emotional depth. Byeon’s animal paintings were especially valued for their intimacy, liveliness, and fidelity to nature.

Byeon Sang-byeok’s most admired paintings include his lively studies of cats, dogs, and small birds, often shown in intimate settings. His well-known works, such as the playful “Gamseong Goyang-i” paintings, display expressive brush lines and careful shading. He also created delicate sparrow and puppy scenes that reveal close observation of everyday life. These compositions demonstrate the gentle humor and naturalism that define his style. The artwork reproduced in this cat paperweight reflects those qualities, capturing a moment of curiosity familiar to viewers today.

Korean Brush Painting Tradition

Korean brush painting developed from earlier Chinese ink traditions but took on its own distinct character. Artists focused on rhythm, controlled movement, and the expressive potential of the brush tip. Ink was applied in single stroke gestures designed to capture the essence of a subject rather than literal detail. This aesthetic, called “true-view painting,” valued personal experience and direct observation.

Painters often trained for years to master brush pressure, ink flow, and subtle tonal shifts. Their work required precision and confidence since each stroke was permanent. Byeon Sang-byeok excelled in this discipline, applying the brush with clarity and sensitivity. His animal portraits show expressive lines balanced with soft, shaded tones. This cat paperweight preserves those qualities within a compact and functional form.

A Meaningful Art Object

Many collectors value this design for its charm and cultural significance. The cat’s upward gaze suggests curiosity and watchfulness, qualities admired in Korean folklore. Glass magnifies the image and enhances the gentle contrasts of ink and color. The resulting object is both decorative and practical.

This cat paperweight pairs beautifully with pieces from our Asian Art Collection and works well as a small, thoughtful gift. It also complements bookmarks, boxes, and accessories from our Museum Jewelry Collection. Display it on a writing desk, bookshelf, or entry table for a touch of Korean artistic heritage.