Gwoneungsujanggun Relics

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.668

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 선조

Designated year

1980

Location

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

Coordinates

35.185100, 128.086000Museum-based location

This ensemble of artifacts related to General Gwon Eung-su (1546-1608), a military official of Joseon, combines his personal effects, objects bestowed on him by the king and other objects handed down in his family, for generations. General Gwon Eung-su successfully passed the state-administered military service examination in 1584 (the 17th year of King Seonjo’s reign). In 1592, when Joseon was invaded by the Japanese, he raised an army of volunteer fighters and scored major victories over the enemy. The ensemble includes a portrait of General Gwon Eung-su, the Royal Certificate of Meritorious Subject, a folding screen with Taepyeong hoemaengdo, a long sword, a series of letters and official orders, and his last will, a belt and two volumes of Gajeon bocheop, as well as literary writings by, and correspondence belonging to, him and other family members of different generations. The portrait of the general was gifted by King Seonjo and appears to have been painted when he was bestowed the title of meritorious subject for his wartime achievements during the Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of 1592). The four-panel folding screen displays the portraits of heroes of the same war. The long sword, meanwhile, is a Japanese sword that General Gwon took from the enemy. The relics also include a thirty-three sheet strategic plan by King Seonjo, and the four-sheet letters of General Gwon. Other documents include thirty-three sheets of orders issued by an official of fourth rank or higher, including the General’s last will. The General’s belt is a metal belt. Finally, the two-volume Gajeon bocheop containing poems is priceless for research into the poetic and calligraphic styles of this period.

Location