Seokjeong Lee, Jeongzic (1841-1910), a scholar representing Honam confucianism in the late Choseon in 19C, is called one of Honamsamgul including Haehak Lee, Gi (1848-1909), Maecheon Hwang, Hyun (1855-1910). In secluding himself in Buan region, he con...
Seokjeong Lee, Jeongzic (1841-1910), a scholar representing Honam confucianism in the late Choseon in 19C, is called one of Honamsamgul including Haehak Lee, Gi (1848-1909), Maecheon Hwang, Hyun (1855-1910). In secluding himself in Buan region, he continued to possess an practical attitude drawn from Bangesurok wirtten by Bange Yu, Hyungwon (1622-1673). He contributed to thriving practical studies in the center of Honam even under politically urgent circumstance in the late Choseon. In additon to philosophy, he devoted his life to studying virtually everything that was considered to be necessary in life: horoscope, mathematics, and machine. Not only was he remarkable to the point that he left Yeonseoksanbangmijeongmungo composed of 25 books, he was also extraordinary in other fields such as linguistics, astronomy, geography, medical study, paintings and calligraphic arts. He introduced Western philosophers, Kant and Bacon, in the name of Sinmunhwak-new studies, to the nation first. Furthermore, he mastered various studies ranging from Chinese studies to Korean studies. He was highly respected as a literature expert who helped ``old literature`` to root in Honam region. As shown in the collection of literature, he had, also, studied in Bukkyeong at the age of 28. Hoharkjeongsin emphasizing extensive learning and practical evidence and interconnection between studies melted down in his studies and paintings and calligraphic arts. Cultures and arts in Bukkyung served as motives for him to widen his eyes related to aesthetic arts. Needless to say about calligraphy and seal craving, enormous energy stemming from extensive, intensive learning is revealed in his paintings and calligraphyic arts, involving mountain and water, flower and bird, and feathers of birds. Since he was good natured, he was called a first Samjeol author, who shows ex- cellency in poem, calligraphy, and painting, also called Tongyu, which referred to a person who exhibited extraordinaries in Confucianism at that time, in Jeonbuk Province. Seokjeong``s thought system based on his poems, calligraphy, and paintings is closely related to Sung Confucianism, and he repeatedly practiced his calligraphy by imitating Jinchop(a calligraphy book of Jin) or Dangchop(a calligraphy book of Tang). However he thought that being a great calligrapher is not only blindly practicing writing letters but also there should be some way and process. His roll model for calligraphy was Wanghiji from Jin who had three elements of calligraphy such as geungol(muscle and bone), jeongeui(meaning and energy), and pungsin( soul and refined taste). He didn``t think anyone could reach the level of Wanghiji. He thought that people who had reached even one element of three are Mibul of Song who had geungol, Joemaengbu of Won who had jeongeui, and Donggichang of Myeoung who had pungsin. He emphasized that to reach the level of Whaghiji``s calligraphy, one should practice these three great calligraphers`` calligraphy respectively and make unification with succession of strong point and compromise. It is referred bupgojajinnon that one should reveal one‘s real I making Wanghiji from Jin who had three elements of calligraphy as a role model. And he made emphasis on the theory of Jeonseupjinsuk that oneshould practice Mibul’s geungol, Joemaengbu’s jeongeui, and Donggichang‘s pungsin because it is difficult to reach the level of Wanghiji. He thought that one could reach being ripe after practicing old things, and as he grow being riper, he had to effort cautiously, so as to be able to close being new. And from the new thing began the skilled and strong touch could be truly skilled touch, and after achieving this level one could change the higher level of creating new things. This is the theory called the new Bupgojui. His calligraphy is based on Wanghiji, follows the style of handwriting or writing style of hae-hang, a school of cheophakpa centered Mibul and Donggichang, so he established a very conservative art world making emphasis on golgyeok and meaning. Especially he coined his ownhang-cho grafting distinguished calligraphers’good point such as Guyangsun’s haseo, Donggichang’s hangseo, Mibul’s haseo, and Anjingyeong’s hangseo.