Calligraphy by King Yeongjo

This album brings together various pieces of calligraphy in King Yeongjo's (1694–1776) own hand. Its outer cover bears the inscription "King Yeongjo's calligraphy, treasured at Eupgung," though the relationship between "Eupgung" and Eupgungam, the third valley of Hwayanggugok in Goesan County and the retreat of the scholar Song Si-yeol, is not known. At the front of the album is a royal reply bearing an attached note reading "Reply to the Bureau of Royal Medicine, 16th day of the first month, 1761," together with drafts of four-character verses and other writings. Notably, among these drafts is a piece titled "Written to Show the Hongmungwan," composed on 11 July 1770, the 46th year of King Yeongjo's reign, and bestowed on the young Crown Grandson — the future King Jeongjo — and on officials of the Hongmungwan, the Office of Special Advisers; related content appears in the Imha pilgi. Also included are large characters reading "Haksagwan," thought to have been written on the same occasion. Among the several albums that gather King Yeongjo's calligraphy, this one is especially valued: its contents are carefully chosen, it bears dates from 1761, 1765 and 1770 — his later years — and it is mounted in the court style typical of the late Joseon period, remaining in good condition.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suwon, Gyeonggi

Designation

Treasure · 보물