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Calligraphy and Diplomacy : Kui Sioi’s Reframing of Joseon-Qing Relations in the 42nd Year of Emperor Kangxi’s Reign

  • Journal of Manchurian Studies
  • Abbr : 만주연구
  • 2023, (36), pp.9~38
  • DOI : 10.22888/mcsa..36.202310.9
  • Publisher : The Manchurian Studies Association
  • Research Area : Social Science > Area Studies > East Asia > China
  • Received : September 5, 2023
  • Accepted : October 24, 2023
  • Published : October 31, 2023

Lee, Myung-jae 1

1전남대학교 역사문화연구센터

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the diplomatic mission of Kui Sioi during the the forty- second year of Emperor Kangxi’s prolific reign of China, analyzing its significance in momentarily reconfiguring Joseon-Qing relations. In his diplomatic efforts, Kui Sioi used his deep understanding of Chinese scholarly traditions and leveraged networks within influential circles, such as the Mingju family of the Kangxi court and the elite strata of Han Chinese literati. His presentation of the emperor’s calligraphy as a strategic act, crafted as a nuanced but effective expression of cultural diplomacy. The study reveals how this mission, imbued with Kui Sioi’s strategic use of Confucian rhetoric, effectively served as a means of temporarily incorporate Joseon into the broader cultural realm, marking a departure from the exclusionary policies that had been practiced since the Qing invasion of 1637. However, Kui Sioi’s efforts proved to be fleeting, as the subsequent Yongzheng reign resumed the exclusion of Joseon from this shared cultural sphere. In essence, this paper highlights the intricate interplay between culture and philosophy while revealing the complexities emblematic of Joseon-Qing political relations during this period, illustrating the role of culture and rhetorical strategies in diplomatic engagements.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.