Royal Certificate of Meritorious Subject Issued to Yi Je

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.324

Category

Books & Records

Era

1392년(태조 1)

Designated year

2018

Location

진주시, 경상남도— 경상남도 진주시 남강로 626-35 (남성동, 국립진주박물관)

Coordinates

35.189014, 128.076844Kakao address conversion

The royal message announcing the designation of YI Je (? -1398) as a meritorious retainer upon the foundation of the new dynasty was presented in 1392 (the first year of the reign of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty). Yi Je married Princess Gyeongsun, a daughter of Queen Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo, and played a lead role in upholding General YI Seonggye as the founder of the new dynasty. The royal message states how Yi Je, along with others, performed the meritorious deed of helping YI Seonggye to found the new dynasty by following his great will, and what Yi Seonggye awarded to him and his relatives as reward. The bottom of the document contains the date of issuance and the impression of the Goryeo Royal Seal. The royal seal used on the document was presented to Joseon by the Ming Dynasty of China in 1370 (the 19th year of the reign of King Gongmin), which indicates that it was used until the early days of the new dynasty. This is an important material for students of the system of governance and history of laws during the Joseon Period, particularly as it was the first royal message concerning the designation of a meritorious retainer in the Joseon Period. It is also regarded as a valuable example of the calligraphic style of that time.

Location