Sowon hwagaecheop (Calligraphy by Prince Anpyeong)

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.238

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선

Designated year

1987

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구

Coordinates

No precise coordinates are available, so this item is not shown as a map marker. To be added later.

His calligraphic scroll Sowon hwagaecheop was written by Anpyeong daegun (1418 ~1453), the third royal prince of King Sejong, the forth ruler of Joseon Dynasty. Anpyeongdaegun was the most celebrated prince for being generous and intelligent who liked to study from early childhood and good at writing poems, calligraphy, and painting as well. But having been involved in the struggle for political power, he was unfairly sacrificed at his young age 36. After his death, most of his artwork was set on fire, and the only thing that still remains in Korea is this calligraphic scroll Sowonhwagaecheop including the penmanship calligraphy and epigraphy. The other piece of his work, The Epilogue to Fairy Land in Dream, is being kept at Tenri University in Japan. This calligraphic scroll (16.5cm x26.5cm) contains 56 words written by Chinese character in a flowing rounded style. As a matter of fact, this poem was originated from that of the famous poet Yi Sang-eun, Tang China, though it shows a little difference. Though relatively small, yet this piece of work exhibits well writer's personal character - dignified and broad-minded, which represents cursive writing style influenced by Jo Maeng-bu, the renowned calligrapher of Won China. With its calligrapher's autograph and seal, we have no doubt that this is a genuine piece of Anpyeongdaegun's writing, the valuable and unique one of his own writing that has been found in Korea.