〈동래군필적〉을 통해 본 정난종의 서예

Abstract

Dongnae-gun Piljeok, written by Jeong Nan-jong, is a calligraphy album featuring rubbings of the stele of Yi Bo-jeong, a high-ranking official from the early 15th century. Unfortunately, none of Jeong Nan-jong’s original manuscripts have survived. The only remaining examples of his work are rubbings of his inscriptions on stone, wood, and metal. Most of these rubbings were produced long after the original inscriptions were made and are not well-preserved. However, Dongrae-gun Piljeok is an exception, as it was created relatively soon after the original inscription, allowing the calligraphy to remain largely intact. This album is the best-preserved example of Jeong Nan-jong’s work, with the characters engraved on the stele preserved in near-perfect condition. It serves as an invaluable resource for studying his calligraphy. The seal script on the headstone of the stele, written in large characters, showcases a refined style inspired by Li Yangbing of the Tang Dynasty. This script is notably distinct from the coarser seal scripts of the same period, demonstrating Jeong Nan-jong’s pioneering influence on the elegant and slender seal script style that became prominent in 16th-century Joseon. Additionally, the running and cursive scripts engraved in the inscription reflect the influence of Zhao Mengfu’s calligraphy from the Yuan Dynasty, which was prevalent in the 15th century. Jeong Nan jong’s unique approach to the arrangement of characters, skillfully balancing density and openness, distinguishes him from his contemporaries. Dongnae-gun Piljeok stands as a definitive example of Jeong Nan-jong’s mastery in calligraphy. Through this album, we can gain a clearer understanding of his artistic identity, which had previously been known only by his pen name. Furthermore, this work offers valuable insights into the evolution of seal, running, and cursive script styles during the late 15th century, making it an important contribution to the history of early Joseon Dynasty calligraphy