Jinsiljujip(2012)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1775

Category

Books & Records

Era

1462년(세종 18) 판각, 1472년(성종 3) 후쇄

Designated year

2012

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구 새문안로 55-0 (신문로2가, 서울역사박물관)

Coordinates

37.570497, 126.971075Kakao address conversion

Jinsiljujip (Book of True Pearls), or Zhenshizhuji in Chinese, is a book of three volumes containing a collection of writings (including songs, aphorisms, sermons, poems and prose) on Seon (Zen, or Chan) by eminent Seon masters that was put together by a Buddhist follower of the Song Dynasty named Ni Miaohang. This edition was printed in the sixth lunar month of 1472 (the 3rd year of the reign of King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty) with the printing woodblocks that were used for the publication of the Gangyeong Dogam (or Directorate of Buddhist Publications) edition ten years before. The postscript written by Kim Su-on and attached to the main text was printed with the small Gabin Types. The Gangyeong Dogam edition of Jinsiljujip has produced two Treasures, No. 921 and No. 1014, and its reproductions still remain, but those attached with Kim Su-on’s postscript are very rare. This particular book is considered valuable due to its good condition and to the Buddhist floral design decorating the cover, which provides important clues about bookbinding techniques during that period. The postscript contains information about the types and numbers of the Buddhist scriptures printed under the patronage of Queen Dowager Insu (1437-1504) to pray for the everlasting peace of the spirits of King Sejo and King Yejong and for the long, health life of Grand Queen Dowager Jeonghui, King Seongjong, and Queen Gonghye. As one of the 200 books printed for this edition, this copy constitutes a valuable source of knowledge about the development of woodblock printing and Buddhist faith in the royal households during the early Joseon Period.

Location