Angbuilgu(2022-3)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2161

Category

Craft

Era

1713년 이후 추정

Designated year

2022

Location

성북구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 성북구 보문로34다길 2 (돈암동, 성신여자대학교) 박물관

Coordinates

37.591652, 127.022146Kakao address conversion

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

Angbu Ilgu represents an upturned-bowl-shaped astronomical timepiece, also termed Angbu Ilying, depicting a cauldron appearing to face upward toward heaven. Created in 1434 by master artisans Jang Yeong-sil, Lee Cheon, and Lee Sunjee under royal commission from King Sejong, the initial examples were ceremonially installed at the Temple of Ancestors and Hyejung Bridge in October of that year. Throughout subsequent Joseon periods until the dynasty's conclusion, these instruments were manufactured in diverse formats and systematically distributed throughout royal palaces and administrative offices. No confirmed specimens from early Joseon's initial production phase have been identified in contemporary collections. The surviving angbu ilgu examples display latitude inscriptions indicating 37 degrees 39 minutes 15 seconds north, with scholarly consensus establishing this particular latitude measurement was first adopted following 1713 according to historical astronomical records. Based on this inscriptional evidence, production dates are estimated to commence after King Sukjong's 39th reign year. Within Korea, approximately ten angbu ilgu instruments are recognized in institutional collections. Three specimens held at the National Palace Museum, Gyeongju National Museum, and Sungshin Women's University Museum demonstrate technical specifications suggesting creation by the same artisan. The Sungshin Women's University specimen exhibits distinctive textual inscription orientation. These precision instruments exemplify exceptional metalworking involving riveted assembly techniques and silver inlay artistry, featuring hemispherical caldron forms incorporating hour calibrations at 15-minute intervals and thirteen seasonal designations marked through precious metal inlay.

Location