Yenyeommitadoryangchambeop Gwon3~4, 7~8

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1165

Category

Books & Records

Designated year

1993

Location

대덕구, 대전광역시— 대전 대덕구 대청로 100 (신탄진동)

Coordinates

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

‘Chambeop’ refers to a Buddhist penitence rite during which sutras are recited as part of the ritualistic act of penitence. When the penitence ritual is addressed toward Amitabha Buddha of the Pure Land, this is called Mita chambeop (Amitabha Penitence Rite). This book describes the steps in the Amitabha penitence rite, and it was published in 1474 (the 5th year of King Seongjong’s reign), under the patronage of Queen Dowager Jeonghui, widow of King Sejo, in prayer for the soul of Queen Gonghye, the late consort to King Seongjong. The book, printed on mulberry paper with woodblocks, contains volumes 3, 4, 7 and 8 in a single volume and measures 23.6cm by 37.3cm. This book with no printing-related information appears, however, to have been printed with the same woodblocks as Volumes 1-5 and 6-10 (Treasure No. 949) and Volumes 6-10 (Treasure No. 1144). The postscript by Kim Su-on added at the end of the book informs that the book was published to prayer for the soul of the late Queen Gonghye, wife of King Seongjong and other past kings and queens. The book also provides the list of names of prominent monks and royals who took part in the carving of the printing blocks, along with their titles and ranks, indicating that the publishing project was a high-profile project directly sponsored by the royal house. Those who were involved in the actual tasks of printing this book were specialists of highest caliber, and the detailed information about these specialists it provides is helpful for understanding the history of Korean woodblock printing. Also, this book is arguably the most elaborate publication ever produced under the direct patronage of Joseon’s royal family.