2006, Vol., No.35

Journal of Studies in Bibliography 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.65

pISSN : 1225-5246 / eISSN : 2671-8758
https://journal.kci.go.kr/korbiblio

This research analyzes the reasons why the method of casting movable types from porcelain clay, which was described in Husaengnok(厚生錄) failed. It also examines the major problems of testing this method, as discussed in my earlier research, and suggests how to improve its efficiencies. By so doing, an attempt was made to build a theoretical base for the fourth test in order to prove the feasibility of this method. Major findings are as follows: First, in the second chapter, the results from the first and second tests which faithfully followed the procedures and practices of casting movable types, as described in Husaengnok, were analyzed. The result shows that, while casting movable types, based on the text of Husaengnok, missed were such factors as ① the technical know-hows about depressed engraving in the fourth stage, ② the process of preparing for the height of individual characters as required after the fourth stage, and ③ how to cut characters in the seventh stage. As a result, the test was not properly done. Second, in the third chapter, in order to solve the problems earlier identified, a test was made to press wooden types on the porcelain clay, by applying the method of inlaying on Goryeo celadon porcelain, when characters from clay mold were engraved. In brief, in the third test, by forming the molds of individual characters, and establishing the method of inlaying characters by pressing them on porcelain clay, it was explored how to cast individual movable types from porcelain clay.

This study reports the results from the actual inspection of Jikji(直指) held at the Bibliothque Nationale in France. Four researchers examined the physical features and the general condition of printing and typesetting of Jikji. Major findings are as follows:First, from both large and small fonts used for printing Jikji, spots and stains which characterized the method of printing with metal movable types were observed. Therefore, Jikji was again confirmed as the oldest existing print with metal movable types .Second, the inner part of the entire book of Jikji was glued and folded, and the top of the book and its spine became discolored with resin. Papers on which Jikji was printed were also confirmed as Korean Hanji with paper grains that ran lengthwise inside a thin mulberry paper. Third, some letters unclearly printed in Jikji were corrected and supplemented with calligraphy. Therefore, it should be very careful to select the model shapes of characters from Jikji.Fourth, it was also observed that the condition of its printing and typesetting was not even, the density and clearness of individual letters varied, and some letters were blurred during pressing. Despite all of these weaknesses, however, it is still amazing to be able to print Jikji with metal movable types in 1377, when the general condition of printing was in the primary stage.

Gungwonui(宮園儀) is one of the books published to institutionalize the Gungwon system as the official graves and shrines for the royal family in the Joseon Dynasty. The Gungwon system covers both Gung, the shrine of the royal family and Won, the tombs for them. Gungwonuiin(宮園儀引)(Jang K2-2433), which is now held by the Jangseogak of the Academy of Korean Studies, documents all the process from the discussion about the publishing and book binding of Gungwonui to presenting it to the king and the royal shrine. This paper examined the publication and book covering of Gungwonui through Gungwonuiin and Gungwonui in Jangseogak and Gyujanggak. Gungwonui compiled in 1776, was first published in 1780, and again in 1785. Gungwonui was published on 63 wood blocks which contain the title, king’s preface, illustrations and their captions, and the list of supervisors, but 91 leaves of Gungwonui were printed with movable types, containing the table of contents, detailed notes, appendix and postscripts. Various covering materials of Gungwonui were used for different purposes, that is, for the offerings to Gyeongmogung, Bongmodang, and king and for the royal granting to the subjects. Gungwonui enshrined in the noble book cabinet of Gyeongmogung was printed on Cheopchaekji (貼冊紙) and covered with Namdaedan(藍大緞), and therefore exhibited the noble elegance as the royal publication. Gungwonui documents the historical fact that King Jeongjo offered a posthumous title of ‘Jangheon(莊獻)’ to the Crown prince Sado and promoted his grave and shrine to the level of Gung and Won, that is, Gyeongmogung and Yeongwoowon, with the Gungwon system. In this paper, examined were the significance of the publication and book-covering of Gungwonui, the book published for the purpose of establishing the Gungwon system into a regular royal ceremony.