Daebanggwangwongaksudarayouigyeong Woodblocks

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2113

Category

Books & Records

Era

1611년(조선 광해군 3년)

Designated year

2021

Location

하동군, 경상남도— 경상남도 하동군 쌍계사길 59 (화개면) 쌍계사

Coordinates

35.228800, 127.589200Museum-based location

This English description was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the original Korean text for details.

The Daebanggwang Wonkak Sudara Youi Gyeong (Great Perfect Enlightenment Sutra) is a Buddhist scripture presenting dialogue between Buddha and twelve bodhisattvas explaining Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and systematic meditation practice procedures. The Ssanggye Temple Daebanggwang Wonkak Sudara Youi Gyeong woodblock was recarved in summer 1611 at Neungjinam Hermitage on Jirisan from the edition printed using Ulhaeja metal type (cast 1455 during King Sejong's reign), transferred to Ssanggye Temple, with three hundred thirty-five complete surviving boards presently transmitted. Late Joseon Buddhist temples widely distributed these Ulhaeja type-edition recarved versions, with known examples including the Yongboksa Temple edition (1634), Seonamsa Temple edition (1655), Yeongjingsa Temple edition (1661), and Bohyeonsa Temple edition (1681). Back strips were separately constructed to conceal joinery from view, with upper and lower sections fixed by wooden dowels, while side faces display engraved volumes and page numbers for easy reference. Missing back strips underwent modern repair with page indicators written in ink. The fifth volume's final page (118) displays names of several prominent monks including Daeseonsa Seonsu (1543-1615), Taeneng (1562-1649), and Gakseong (1575-1660), while the carving records list approximately fifty-three carvers including Eungjun (1587-1672) and Seunghee among monks, as well as lay artisans Kim Deuk-rim and Jo Eung-do. Following initial 1611 carving, subsequently damaged plates underwent restoration with recent back strip repairs maintaining good preservation condition. The Ssanggye Temple woodblock represents an important Buddhist scripture board with exceptional rarity among pre-rebellion (1636) carved examples. Additionally, the work serves as record source material illuminating Neungjinam Hermitage's publication and printing capabilities, organizational structure, personnel networks, Buddhist ideological trends, and the relationship between Neungjinam Hermitage and Ssanggye Temple, functioning as documented cultural heritage revealing historical substance and period context.

Location