🇰🇷Arts of Korea Unit 9 – Calligraphy & Literature in Korean Art

Historical Context

• Calligraphy and literature have been integral parts of Korean art and culture for centuries
• The earliest known Korean writing system, Hanja (Chinese characters), was introduced to Korea from China during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE)
• Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, was invented in 1443 during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) under the reign of King Sejong the Great
  • Hangeul was designed to be easy to learn and use, promoting literacy among the common people
• The development of printing technology, such as woodblock printing and movable type, facilitated the spread of literature and calligraphy
• Confucianism, which emphasizes the importance of education and self-cultivation, greatly influenced the development of calligraphy and literature in Korea
• The Korean literati, known as the Seonbi, played a significant role in promoting and preserving the art of calligraphy and literature
• The Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) saw a decline in traditional Korean calligraphy and literature, as the Japanese government suppressed Korean culture and language

Key Calligraphic Styles

• Choseo (草書): A cursive script style characterized by its fluid, expressive, and abstract forms
• Haeseo (楷書): A regular script style known for its clear, balanced, and legible characters
• Yeseo (隸書): A clerical script style that evolved from the Choseo style, featuring more angular and uniform strokes
• Jeonseo (篆書): A seal script style used for official seals and decorative purposes, characterized by its intricate and stylized forms
• Hanjeon (行書): A semi-cursive script style that combines elements of Choseo and Haeseo, known for its fluid yet legible appearance
• Gungche (궁체): A unique Korean calligraphic style developed during the Joseon Dynasty, characterized by its tall, narrow, and elegant characters
• Sinjeon (新篆): A modern seal script style that incorporates elements of traditional seal script and contemporary design

Literary Influences

• Chinese literature, particularly classical Chinese poetry and prose, greatly influenced Korean literature and calligraphy
  • Korean scholars and artists often wrote in classical Chinese, known as Hanmun (한문)
• The Korean hyangga (향가) poetry, written in Hanja with Korean grammatical elements, emerged during the Silla period (57 BCE - 935 CE)
• Goryeo gayo (고려가요), or Goryeo songs, were popular during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) and often featured themes of love, nature, and Buddhist philosophy
• Sijo (시조), a Korean poetic form consisting of three lines with a fixed number of syllables, developed during the Joseon Dynasty
  • Sijo often dealt with themes of nature, love, and Confucian values
• Gasa (가사), a longer narrative poetic form, also gained popularity during the Joseon Dynasty
• The introduction of Hangeul in the 15th century led to the development of vernacular Korean literature, making it more accessible to the general population

Famous Works and Artists

• Kim Saeng (김생, 1497-1550): A renowned calligrapher of the Joseon Dynasty known for his elegant and expressive Haeseo style
• Han Ho (한호, 1543-1605): A prominent calligrapher and scholar who excelled in various script styles, particularly Choseo and Haeseo
• Chusa Kim Jeong-hui (추사 김정희, 1786-1856): Considered one of the greatest calligraphers in Korean history, known for his innovative and expressive style that combined elements of Chinese and Korean calligraphy
  • His work "Chusache" (추사체) is a unique calligraphic style named after him
• Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음): The original document that introduces the Hangeul alphabet, published in 1446 under the reign of King Sejong the Great
• Donguibogam (동의보감): A comprehensive medical text written by Heo Jun (허준) in 1613, considered a masterpiece of traditional Korean medicine and literature
• Gyuhap chongseo (규합총서): A collection of recipes and household management advice written by Lady Jang Gye-hyang (장계향) in the 19th century, providing insights into the daily life and culinary traditions of the Joseon Dynasty

Techniques and Materials

• Traditional Korean calligraphy is written using a brush (pilseo, 필서) made from animal hair (usually goat, weasel, or rabbit) attached to a bamboo handle
• Ink (meok, 먹) is made from soot and glue, which is then ground on an inkstone (byeoru, 벼루) with water to create a liquid ink
• Hanji (한지), a type of traditional Korean paper made from mulberry bark, is the most common surface for calligraphy
  • Hanji is known for its durability, absorbency, and subtle texture that enhances the beauty of the brushstrokes
• Calligraphers often use a felt mat (pilseon, 필선) underneath the paper to provide a soft and slightly yielding surface
• The four treasures of the study (munbangsa-u, 문방사우) refer to the essential tools of calligraphy: brush, ink, paper, and inkstone
• Calligraphers employ various techniques to create different effects, such as:
  • Varying the pressure and speed of the brush to create thick and thin lines
  • Adjusting the moisture level of the brush to achieve dry or wet strokes
  • Using the side of the brush to create broad, flat strokes

Symbolism and Meaning

• Calligraphy is not only a means of communication but also a form of artistic expression and self-cultivation
• The choice of script style, composition, and content of a calligraphic work can convey the artist's emotions, personality, and philosophical beliefs
• Calligraphic works often feature auspicious characters, such as "longevity" (su, 수), "happiness" (bok, 복), and "good fortune" (gil, 길), which are believed to bring positive energy and blessings
• The use of red ink in calligraphy is associated with festive occasions, such as weddings and birthdays, as red symbolizes good luck and joy in Korean culture
• The balance and harmony of the characters in a calligraphic work are believed to reflect the artist's state of mind and inner balance
• Calligraphic works featuring Confucian or Buddhist texts serve as a means of spreading philosophical and religious teachings

Cultural Significance

• Calligraphy and literature have played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Korean history, culture, and values
• The practice of calligraphy is considered a means of self-cultivation and a way to develop one's character and morality
• Calligraphy has been an essential part of Korean education, with students learning to write Hanja and Hangeul characters as part of their curriculum
• Calligraphic works are often displayed in homes, offices, and public spaces as a form of decoration and a symbol of cultural sophistication
• The art of calligraphy has been closely associated with the Korean literati (Seonbi) class, who were expected to excel in the "three perfections" (samjeol, 삼절): calligraphy, poetry, and painting
• Calligraphy has also been used in various applied arts, such as ceramic decoration, embroidery, and woodblock printing
• The invention and widespread use of Hangeul have been celebrated as a symbol of Korean cultural identity and independence

Modern Interpretations

• Contemporary Korean calligraphers continue to innovate and experiment with traditional techniques and styles, creating new forms of artistic expression
• The use of non-traditional materials, such as acrylic paint, digital media, and installation art, has expanded the boundaries of calligraphy
• Modern calligraphic works often incorporate elements of abstract art, typography, and graphic design
• The influence of calligraphy can be seen in various aspects of contemporary Korean culture, such as logo design, advertising, and fashion
• Calligraphy workshops and classes have gained popularity among people of all ages, as a means of self-expression and stress relief
• The fusion of calligraphy with other art forms, such as dance, music, and performance art, has created new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
• The legacy of Korean calligraphy and literature continues to inspire and inform the work of contemporary artists, writers, and scholars, both in Korea and around the world