A collection of 68 writings by Princess Deokon, the last Princess born to King Sunjo and Queen Sunwon before the end of the Kingdom of Joseon (Korea), has returned home to Korea. The writings consist of a book and several letters.
The National Hangeul Museum (NHM) and Culture Heritage Administration (CHA) recently announced the acquisition of the collection, which it says has great value as an example of court writings in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. A subsidiary of the CHA reportedly purchased the collection from a relation of the Princess living in the United States last year.
The NHM will hold a special exhibition on Princess Deokon’s writings from 25 April 2019 until 1 September 2019 with other Hanguel items. The NHM now holds around 400 pieces of writing by the Princess and some of her other family members such as her mother. A special sourcebook is to be made for pieces that cannot go on display.
Princess Deokon was the third daughter of King Sunjo and Queen Sunwon. Her elder brother was Crown Prince Hyomyeong, who was the father of King Heonjong. She married Yun Eui-seon and adopted Yoon Yong-gu who had a child named Yun Baek-young.
“Princess Deokon passed away at the young age of 23. If she lived longer and left more Hangeul calligraphic works, the history of Korean calligraphy might have been different,” National Hangeul Museum Director Park Young-goog said.
I know very little about Korea’s history of their royalty. This is very interesting. You have used several on these stories that I enjoyed as well, Thank You!!