조선 후기 악기조성청의 역할과 운영

Abstract

This article examines the role and practical operation of Musical Instrument-making Offices in the Joseon Dynasty. Specifically, three texts (uigwe) from the late Joseon period that outline the entirety of the proceedings of the Instrument-making Office were examined, including the Injeongjeon (1745), Gyeongmogung (1776) and Sajik (1804). The making of musical instruments was an important function of the court, thus significant resources including materials, finances, and manpower were granted to fulfill this priority. However, to maintain order and guarantee success, there needed to be cooperation and coordination throughout the ministry. First, in order to secure labor costs, two administrative offices, namely, Hojo (office in charge of public payments, taxes, and national finances) and Byeonbu (office of national defense) needed to be convinced of the necessity of the funding and to not delay or reduce the budget payments. Second, it was essential to secure the materials necessary for musical instrument production; therefore, resources were gathered in the form of offerings from local government tributes. For example, the wood used for the making of musical instruments was circulated as a type of currency paid by the Hojo. Third, craftsmen required the use of tools for the making of the instruments. These were rented from the Hojo, and subordinate administrative agencies, on the condition that they be returned upon completion. Fourth, craftsmen from various institutions and military camps were selected to produce the instruments. That is, at that time, the production of musical instruments was done in the form of a division of labor, and craftsmen were assigned to handle the materials according to the necessary processes, rather than giving the tasks to specialized instrument makers. By examining the documents, details of the roles of the Musical Instrument-making Offices and the practical aspects of cooperation and operation of related organizations were achieved.