한국국학진흥원 소장 책판의 판각기술 연구

Abstract

This article studies carving technique of printing woodblocks based on the printing woodblocks possessed by KSI(The Korean Studies Institute). According to the investigation of printing woodblocks, printing woodblocks can be classified into 3 types depending on carving angles. From among these, a type of upper stroke with shallow angle and lower stroke with steep angle is invented to secure a clear view. The steeper the angle is, it can prevent loss of small letters’ strokes. This type can carve even very small letters without dropping out a stroke. This feature is heavily related to the boom of small Buddhist scriptures in Goryeo. It seems that wide angle carving was the most common technique. It is presumed that carving angles divided into 3 types after late Joseon. According to publication records in late Joseon, speed and accuracy were required to Gaksu(calligraphic engraver). These features can be found in stroke engraving technique. In contrast with outline engraving technique, stroke engraving technique engraves on the basis of letters’ stroke which makes work faster and more accurate. Stroke engraving technique is advantageous to engrave small letters or thin strokes. This technique can be identified by early Goryeo at the latest. As this technique can also be found in Chinese and Japanese printing woodblocks, stroke engraving technique is the essence of East Asian engraving technique. Nonetheless this technique has not been transmitting to modern calligraphic engraving artisans.