國朝列聖御筆 所載 조선초기 국왕문서 - 太祖代 官敎와 世祖代 免役敎旨 -

Abstract

Although the ancient documents of the early Joseon Dynasty (from the end of 14th century to the end of 15th century) have been under study during recent years, progress of the research seems to have limitations. One of the reasons is that cases of ancient documents at that time are so rare that it is hard to study them deeply. Therefore, it should be our highest priority to search and analyze new cases of ancient documents in order to deepen and develop the research of document issued in early Joseon Dynasty in the future. With this research task in mind, this study dealt with 2 copies of ancient documents included in the Gukjo-yeolseong-eopil (國朝列聖御筆) archived at Toyo Bunko in Japan to reveal its authenticity by investigating their characteristics and contents as a part of excavation of ancient documents of early Joseon Dynasty. Gukjo-yeolseong-eopil is the book used to be collected by a Japanese, MAEMA Kyosaku(前間恭作). This collection of the handwritings by the kings of Joseon Dynasty is estimated to be publishedaround 17th century. There are several books titled "Yeolseong-eopil", but only Gukjo-yeolseong-eopil archived at Toyo Bunko includes the documents adopted in this study. One ancient document included in Gukjo-yeolseong-eopil is "Jiyeong-gwangyo"(志英官敎) issued in 1393, and another is "Dogapsa-myeonyeong-gyoji"(道岬寺免役敎旨) issued in 1457. The former one is the letter of appointment issued by the king to a monk, Jiyeong. The latter on is the letter for ordering to exempt Dogapsa from taxation by the king. By referring to other documents at that time and discussion, there is no doubt about the styles and contents of Jiyeong-gwangyo and Dogapsa-myeonyeong-gyoji. Therefore, the authenticity of these documents can be confirmed. Jiyeong-gwangyo is the oldest case during all the gwangyo confirmed during Joseon Dynasty era. In addition, it is highly precious as the only letter of appointment to a monk during early Joseon period. Dogapsa-myeonyeong-gyoji is also important since it was proved that the letter toexempt from taxation had also been issued to Dogapsa in the middle of 15th century.