도설백과사전으로서의 『고금도서집성(古今圖書集成)』-청대 전기의 문자정책과 삽화-

Abstract

This paper investigates『Gujintushujicheng』which is recognized as one of the most well-known encyclopedias in China. This paper analyzes the background of compilation and the intent behind the compilation with a viewpoint of fusion of letters and illustration. Furthermore, this paper reexamines the characteristics of the illustrations. 『Gujintushujicheng』has over 6400 illustrations and is an extensive encyclopedia. The background to the encyclopedia's compilation is the letter policy of the Qing Dynasty.『Gujintushujicheng』was compiled by Chenmenglei(陳 夢雷) in Yinzhi(胤祉)'s interest. Chenmenglei(陳夢雷) served Yinzhi (胤祉), who was the third son of Kangxidi (康熙帝). In other words, there was political intention behind the compilation. The reason why the compilation was closely related to political power is because the nomadic Qing Dynasty conquered the Han nationality. To control the letters, compilation of books was used as a means of persuasion. The Qing ruling class recognized the efficiency of the letters and illustrations and used visual images politically by compiling and publishing many illustrated editions at the Wuyingdian(武英殿) of the palace. The reason why 『Gujintushujicheng』 was edited and published in Wuyingdian is because during historical times, illustrated editions were already prevalent in the late Ming Dynasty. Also, from his youth, Kang xi di realized the importance of maps and he experienced the efficacy of illustrations from learning new scientific knowledge from Christian missionaries. Through the editing and compilation intent of『Gujintushujicheng』 by analyzing the illustrations of the editor, one can understand that there was clear reasoning behind attaching the illustrations. In other words, the explanation of the letters was foundation, but there was clear realization of the influence of the illustrations. 『Gujintushujicheng』was published after the encyclopedia 『Sancaituhui(三才圖會)』, so the need for illustrations was more definitely acknowledged and there were clear choices in attaching or not attaching the illustrations to certain items. The illustrations in 『Gujintushujicheng』 are detailed and show characteristics of prints published by the Palace of the Qing Dynasty, but overall the illustrations are of practical purposes to process information. Moreover, the illustrations are less creative and artistic. However, there are many scientific illustrations which reflect usage of what was then new Western scientific knowledge. In some animal illustrations, the details are more realistic than the ones in 『Sancaituhui』. In other words,『Gujintushuji cheng』 is one of the most successful of the illustrated books by the Palace of the Qing Dynasty.