백천사 소장 『육조대사 법보단경』에 관한 서지적 연구

Abstract

This research is a bibliographical investigation of Yukjo Dangyeong (Gyeongnam Provincial Cultural Asset Number 561) held at Baekcheon-sa temple, in Sacheon, Gyeongnam Province. This book is the first Deogibon edition of Yukjo Dangyeong in Korea with an epilogue written by Hyegam Guksa Manhang in 1300, and had a significant influence on Korean Buddhism. In this research, the significance of this book and the characteristics of the first Deogibon are discussed, and its physical bibliography is analyzed to re-examine the value as Korean cultural assets. An analysis of this Yukjo Dangyeong held at Baekcheon-sa finds that: ① The condition of its printing is still very clear and neat, which shows the typical characteristics of the early printing with wood-blocks. ② Its unique printing layout shows a single line on the upper and lower sides, double lines on the left and right sides, and no line in the text, so that the influence of the Chinese Deogibon edition printed in 1290 was assumed. ③ The paper used was a single sheet with a thickness of 0.06㎜. ④ The number of bamboo strips for making papers was ‘17-chok’. Such a thickness and the number of ‘chok’ used in the paper are the same as those of other Buddhist scriptures printed in Goryeo Period. ⑤ The width of strings used for tying bamboo strips varies from 2.5㎝ to 2.8㎝ which was different from those used for making papers in Joseon Period. Therefore, Yukjo Dangyeong held at Baekcheon-sa was engraved in 1300 when Manhang Seonsa wrote the epilogue, and printed in the early period during which the full-scale printing of this book was done. Since Yukjo Dangyeong held at Baekcheon-sa is the first Deogibon edition printed in 1300 in Korea and the invaluable publication in the early 14th century, it is strongly claimed to be designated as a national cultural asset above the level of national treasures.