정조 연간(1776-1800) 백자 연구의 諸문제

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine issues of Joseon white porcelain research during the reign of King Jeongjo. To do so, the study covers prior research, historical materials, excavated data, and form analysis by dividing ceramic policy and the compilation of works. First, King Jeongjo believed that the decorations on the body of white porcelain wares should be frugal in line with the fundamentals of Neo-Confucianism, while Park Je-ga and Lee Hee-kyung argued in favor of the introduction of advanced ceramics manufacturing technology from China and Japan and institutional reforms related to the management of artisans and production. However, they did not have their own manufacturing technology to take the lead in the actual reform. Moreover, it was considered as a suggestion since they had already risen to the establishment. The main reasons behind Jeongjo’s policy to ban the blue and white wares for the royal family were that the sovereign and the subject could not use the same vessels and poor management surrounding the Bunwon royal kilns, particularly with the intention to solve mishandlings regarding white clay excavation. In addition, King Jeongjo decided to reduce production in order for sudden requests of the royal family to be more readily manufactured. However, these policies were not successful due to the prevalence of sumptuous tendencies and continuous production by Bunwon royal kilns. The use of colorful bowls for King’s mother Lady Hyegeyong’s sixtieth birthday gathering shows the intention of King Jeongjo to strengthen royal power, but it is difficult to consider as an example for the success of the policy. The first example among inscriptions and the excavated data during the reign of King Jeongjo is a blue and white porcelain beveled bottle bearing the inscription ‘丙申’. It is possible that this bottle was produced in commemoration of the enthronement year of King Jeongjo. It is estimated that it was made in 1776 due to its angular shape and colors, although the painted autumn landscape design and mountain stream design had been schematized. Next, a blue and white porcelain jar with a chrysanthemum flower stone design and the inscription ‘무신 경수궁二’, had been newly revealed. The inscription ‘二’ refers to the quality of medicine as the ware was used as a medicine jar. Due to the schematized design of chrysanthemums and stones, the year of 무신 is estimated to be 1848. Lastly, the composition of excavated artifacts from Princess Hwayu and royal noble consort WonBin Hong’s tombs has been analyzed to discuss the influx of imported porcelain from China and Japan as well as preferences of consumers. On the other hand, high quality vessels excavated from the tomb of Crown Prince Munhyo and the Jeongjo’s first burial grounds were considered pure white porcelain from the Bunwon kilns which were based on the text 『Gukjo Oryeui(國朝五禮儀)』, the code of five national rites. In addition, it was estimated that the shape of the porcelain placenta jar of King Sunjo would be the standard for reviewing the form of the white porcelain during the reign of King Jeongjo.