조선시대 전적의 능화표지에 관한 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to increase our knowledge about the excellence of neunghwa book cover, the “water chestnut paper” decorated with water chestnut impressions that was used in the production of book covers, and to contribute to the restoration of the covers of ancient books and documents based on the study of ancient records on the tools and techniques used in its production. Certain ancient works, including Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (Joseon Wangjo Sillok), The Diaries of the Royal Secretariat (Seungjeongwon Ilgi) and Records of Daily Reflections (Ilseongnok), record that the production of Neunghwaji (water chestnut paper) for book covers required the use of chojuji (high-quality paper) to be dyed yellow or that used for the inner layer of clothing, gyomal (hide glue powder), beeswax candle and the neunghwapan (water chestnut woodblock). Neunghwapan was an essential tool in creating the aesthetic and functional aspects of books, and their designs included animals, Sipjangsaeng (Ten Symbols of Longevity), and Chinese characters with auspicious meanings, as well as the water chestnut. The application of beeswax to Neunghwapan helped hanji (Korean mulberry paper) to adhere to the blocks more firmly, resulting in the creation of more delineated and vivid designs, and more effective moisture proofing. The use of oil obtained from the fruit of the hwangbyeok (Amur cork tree) or chija (gardenia berry) to dye book covers helped increase the aesthetic value of books, while the insecticidal properties of the materials helped protect the books from damage by harmful insects, as shown in ancient records and research. As a result of checking Neunghwa book cover of the old book Cultural Heritage published in the early, middle, and late Joseon Dynasty, it was found that applying beeswax to the Neunghwapan and rub it to reduce damage to the surface by reducing abrasion of the surface. It was thought that the Neunghwa book cover produced by printing pattern of moistening the cover with dyed paper and beewaxing on the Neunghwapan and Neunghwa book cover is similar to the Neunghwa book cover used in the old book Cultural Heritage.