This study examines reproduction techniques through scientific analysis of Suncheonbujeondo and research on old maps. The old maps show the character and characteristics of the area at the time they were created. During the Joseon Dynasty, the nation ...
This study examines reproduction techniques through scientific analysis of Suncheonbujeondo and research on old maps. The old maps show the character and characteristics of the area at the time they were created. During the Joseon Dynasty, the nation began to produce country maps that depicted the whole country as a unit. The purpose of these maps was to assist with uniform tax collection by local officials and to prepare for the possibility of Japanese invasion by documenting local circumstances and conditions. Because of its purposes, Suncheonbujeondo, which was produced in 1872, is an old map that serves as a historical artifact that aids in our understanding of the time period, and analysis of the map greatly contributes to the study of the techniques of its production. Although studies on country maps have been conducted in the fields of geography and fine arts, research on the process of reproduction and the techniques of production of old maps has been insufficient. This study intends to conduct in-depth research on the techniques of production by researching reproduction methods of Suncheonbujeondo.
Suncheonbujeondo, part of the collection of the Museum of Yeungnam University, depicts the current day cities of Suncheon-si and Yeosu-si in Jeollanam-do. The borders of place names and main roads are primarily marked with thick red lines, and the locations of regularly held markets are highlighted in yellow. This study involved creating a reproduction based on scientific investigation of the original and consideration of production techniques. The original work was directly viewed, the surface and mounting of the work were measured, and the overall condition, including instances of damage, was recorded. Scientific analysis was conducted using XRF and a microscope. In addition, by comparing the old maps of Suncheonbu compiled in the 18th century through similar map studies, information on map illustration techniques and humanistic geography was gathered.
In Suncheonbujeondo, the characteristics of the production technique were considered by dividing them into line, color, and calligraphy style. Old maps were created primarily for documentation purposes. Therefore, its style is characterized by a consistent means of expression rather than an emphasis on the creator's individuality. The style of the line in the old map is mainly cunfa(皴法) of short linear texture strokes and hemp-fiber texture strokes. The short linear texture strokes and hemp-fiber texture strokes, which are techniques using lines, are mainly used to delineate the mountain shape of natural geography using natural lines.
In the process of making the reproduction, a scientific investigation was conducted using XRF and a microscope, and the material used in the original map was identified. By contrasting the color palette with the original color, similar pigments could be selected. The use of a mineral pigment and organic pigment was estimated through the XRF detection result. In addition, color matching was used as a reference for producing reproductions. Furthermore, in order to understand the structural characteristics of the background paper and to find an appropriate glue and alum mixing ratio, the experiment was conducted with a difference in the concentration of glue and alum. The damaged part of the original was reproduced based on a digitally restored copy made with reference to an old map made in the 18th century. Through this analysis, an in-depth study of the old map, expression techniques, and materials were possible. Above all, it is meaningful that production techniques and painting techniques were revealed in the process of copying the original. I hope that the reproduction based on the scientific analysis of the original map will continue to contribute to the development of the preservation field of traditional paintings.