This paper analyzed chirography of letters in Korean, emphasizing rhyme in order to establish foundation of Korean calligraphy. Artistic factors, which were subjects of analysis, were derived from cursive handwriting. In particular, I analyzed beauty ...
This paper analyzed chirography of letters in Korean, emphasizing rhyme in order to establish foundation of Korean calligraphy. Artistic factors, which were subjects of analysis, were derived from cursive handwriting. In particular, I analyzed beauty of lingering imagery, and defined straight lines as art of moderation, and curves as art of nature.
Research subject were derived from letters written in Korean from the Joseon dynasty. There were several criteria of selecting letters. When and where the letters were written must be trackable, and 85 among them were selected as research subjects in three categories; time, social class, and gender.
Art of calligraphy on ‘Rhyme’ is based on 'Vigor', fundamental framework of analysis on 'Rhyme' of Korean calligraphy is to figure out ideal of beauty, there are mainly two types of 'Rhyme', based on analysis of connecting characters of each individual. First, vertical strokes are widely used. When they are followed by the next letter, shape of the stroke determined style of writing. From these letters, there were many uses of spacing separate words, making this an art of moderation. Second, core of the letter was placed in the center of the letter to freely express connection between consonant and vowels, and a letter and another letter. Vertical stroke displayed changes in length, thickness, tilt, and space to express various curves. Even when not writing a full word, strong strokes were displayed. This is an art of nature as a writer’s intent was not leashed by grammar, like no one can hold the sky, it is an art of natural vigor without restriction of grammar.
Based on analysis of curves and straight lines of ‘Rhyme’ displayed in letters of Joseon dynasty, Many kings and nobleman in the era before the King Jungjo (1790) were attracted by the art of nature (curves) in calligraphy despite slightest personal differences. After the King Jungjo’s reign, art of moderation (straight lines) was more popular. Queen Insun and maids of honor started to use art of moderation since the era of King Hyojong (1659). Beginning 18th century, ladies of noble family became active users of Hangul (Korean characters), enabling them to freely express their emotion without restriction to formats. However, from 19th century, as queens and maids of honor from noble family were attracted to the art of moderation, men’s writings showed the art of moderation as well.
Aesthetic traits of ‘Rhyme’ in the Korean calligraphy became distinctive from correspondences excavated after 1550. Significant portion of correspondences from the Joseon dynasty was discovered. However, my research focused on correspondences of the royal and noble families that let us know when and who wrote them. The majority of these letters were hand-copied by skilled people in Chinese calligraphy, reflecting their beliefs; synchronization of knowledge and action, and becoming life examples and enlightening the others. Therefore, those letters are useful enough in estimating aesthetic traits (use of strokes and sentences), and changing trends of Korean calligraphy. Value of the research is derived from objective and measurable analysis on works of the Joseon dynasty. I believe that this research would be aesthetic foundation of study on the Korean calligraphy.