觀相으로 본 『악학궤범』의 處容 형상

Abstract

This study aims to determine the meaning of Cheoyong described in the lyrics of Mangi (慢機) of the Cheoyongga (處容歌: a song) in (the music theory book) Akhakgwebeom (樂學軌範), and to improve the current Cheoyong masks. Further, the study attempted to understand the thoughts of the Joseon period on the basis of the calendrical art, physiognomic theories, in order to determine the backgrounds to ancient people's crafting the countenance of the Cheoyong mask which is similar to the human face. The current masks in the Cheoyongmu dance feature a dark-brown skin, deep eyes, a big nose [simmokgobi, 深目高鼻], and this conformed with academic arguments that the prototype of Cheoyong might be an Arab merchant. However, the research on Akhakgwebeom indicates that the Cheoyong mask features a bright red skin like the color of red peach flowers, with the mask wearer being an elderly person blessed with longevity, having a bulging belly, and showing a bent posture decorated with flowers, seven treasures and a red belt. The mask wearer has long arms and legs, and wide feet. This appearance means an auspicious physiognomy, which involves a prayer for longevity (sumyeongjangwon, 壽命長願), blessed with praising others (inchanbokseong, 人讚福盛), very auspicious events (gilgyeong, 吉慶), being virtuous (yudeok, 有德), being equipped with both bliss and wisdom (bokjigujok, 福智具足), and enjoying a life and being peaceful (dongnaktaepyeong, 同樂太平). From physiognomic perspectives, Cheoyong's image allows him to enjoy the best possible bliss and honor in the world, and longevity and wealth for the whole person, describing him as the most respectable deity. Therefore, Cheoyong, depicted in Joseon's music book Akhakgwebeom, wears a drunk-like red mask, and has a gigantic physique, and his costume, a symbol of wealth and honor, is described as unique and unordinary (sinui, 神異), and outstanding (giwi, 奇偉). Thus, in ancient literature, Cheoyong is depicted as having a unique face and wearing a queer costume (gihyeonggwebok, 奇形詭服), having an amazing appearance, wearing a queer dress and hat (hyeongyonggahae uigeongwebok, (形容可駭 衣巾詭服), or queer and unique (giwicheokdang, 奇偉倜儻). Thus, the current Cheoyong mask, first of all, needs to shed the Arab merchant theory based on the dark-brown skin, and to restore a divine and outstanding image to him. To restore the image of Cheoyong depicted in Akhakgwebeom to him is to best inherit the traditional meaning of Cheoyongmu (處容舞: a dance).