Last Emperor Sunjong's calligraphy plaque returns from Japan

The Hankyoreh is pleased to report the return of a significant piece of Korean royal heritage from Japan: a plaque bearing the calligraphy of Sunjong, the last emperor of the Joseon Dynasty. This artifact, known as the 'Yeje Yebil' plaque, carries a personal and historical weight, featuring Sunjong's own brushstrokes from when he was Crown Prince.

“

The plaque, named Yeje Yebil, means that the Crown Prince or Grandson of the King composed and wrote the text. It appears to have been created and kept in the palace around the time of Empress Myeongseong's birthday celebration in 1892 before being leaked to Japan.

Commissioned in 1892 to celebrate Empress Myeongseong's birthday, the plaque was created and kept within the palace grounds before its eventual, and regrettable, disappearance into Japan. Its return, facilitated by the generous donation from Korean art dealers Kim Chang-won and Kim Kang-won, who acquired the pieces in Tokyo, is a moment of cultural reclamation. The plaque's inscription, rendered in a rare green-lacquered calligraphy on a wooden board, is not just a historical document but a testament to the artistic traditions and royal patronage of the era.

Beyond the Sunjong plaque, the donation also includes the 'Baekja Cheonghwa Yi Jin-geom Myoji,' a tomb inscription for a Joseon-era official. This artifact, also sourced from Japan, further enriches our understanding of the period's calligraphy and historical records. The foundation notes the unique calligraphic style of Yi Jin-geom's son, Yi Gwang-sa, found on the inscription, highlighting its significant value to art history.

“

The use of green paint on the carved text is a rare example. It is evaluated as reflecting the symbolic meaning of royal writing.

For us at the Hankyoreh, the return of these artifacts is more than just a cultural recovery; it's a symbolic act that underscores the ongoing efforts to repatriate Korean cultural assets lost during periods of Japanese occupation and influence. While international art markets can be a complex space, the actions of the Kim brothers demonstrate a commendable commitment to Korean heritage. The foundation's work in securing and preserving such items is vital, ensuring that future generations can connect with their history through tangible cultural links.

“

The front inscription was written in a rare form of clerical script among Yi Gwang-sa's existing works, and its calligraphic style differs from existing clerical script works by Yi Gwang-sa, giving it great value in calligraphy history.