프랑스국립도서관 소장 직지 원본 조사 연구

Abstract

This study reports the results from the actual inspection of Jikji(直指) held at the Bibliothque Nationale in France. Four researchers examined the physical features and the general condition of printing and typesetting of Jikji. Major findings are as follows:First, from both large and small fonts used for printing Jikji, spots and stains which characterized the method of printing with metal movable types were observed. Therefore, Jikji was again confirmed as the oldest existing print with metal movable types .Second, the inner part of the entire book of Jikji was glued and folded, and the top of the book and its spine became discolored with resin. Papers on which Jikji was printed were also confirmed as Korean Hanji with paper grains that ran lengthwise inside a thin mulberry paper. Third, some letters unclearly printed in Jikji were corrected and supplemented with calligraphy. Therefore, it should be very careful to select the model shapes of characters from Jikji.Fourth, it was also observed that the condition of its printing and typesetting was not even, the density and clearness of individual letters varied, and some letters were blurred during pressing. Despite all of these weaknesses, however, it is still amazing to be able to print Jikji with metal movable types in 1377, when the general condition of printing was in the primary stage.