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Art of Early Joseon: Masterpieces from the 15th and 16th Century

Prologue: Dawn of the Joseon Dynasty

Part 1: White — Shaping the Dreams of Joseon

  • The State and Its People Creating Together
  • Embodying the Spirit of a New Era
  • Aesthetic Sensibilities on White Surfaces
  • The White Color of Joseon

Part 2: Ink — Visualizing Self-cultivation and Virtue

  • Humanist Ideals — Seeking the Way in Nature
  • Humanity Recorded Through Art and Writing
  • Dreaming of an Eternal Joseon

Part 3: Gold — Embodying Eternal Prayer

  • Joseon’s Buddhism — Traversing the Confucian Age
  • Delivering the Words of the Buddha
  • From All Hands to All Hearts

Epilogue: The Light of Joseon — Hunminjeongeum

  • 1. Sarira Reliquaries Commissioned by Yi Seong-gye

  • 1. Bowl, Celadon with inlaid lotus scroll design and inscription of “正陵” (Jeongneung)

  • 2. Bowl, Buncheong ware with inlaid lotus scroll design and inscription of “德泉” (Deokcheon)

  • 3. Bowl, Buncheong ware with inlaid lotus scroll design and inscription of “恭安” (Gongan)

  • 4. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “司膳” (Saseon)

  • 7. Jars with Four Lugs, Buncheong ware with inlaid and stamped design excavated from the Tomb of Princess Jeongso (1412-1424)

  • 8. Sejong sillok jiriji(Geography section of the Annals of King Sejong)

  • 9. Gyeongsangdo sokchan jiriji (Revised geographical records of Gyeongsang-do Province)

  • 10. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with inlaid lotus design

  • 11. Bottle, Buncheong ware with inlaid peony design

  • 12. Rice Bale-shaped Bottle Buncheong ware with inlaid and stamped design

  • 13. Bowl, Buncheong ware with inlaid and stamped design

  • 14. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design

  • 15. Bottle, Buncheong ware with stamped design

  • 16. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “海州” (Haeju)

  • 17. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “榮州長” (Yeongjujang)

  • 18. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “彦陽仁壽府” (Unyang-Insubu)

  • 19. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “善山仁壽” (Sunsan-Insu)

  • 20. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “仁同長興庫” (Indong-Jangheunggo)

  • 21. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “密陽長興庫” (Miryang-Jangheunggo)

  • 22. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “興海仁壽府” (Heunghae-Insubu)

  • 23. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “金山仁壽府納” (Gimsan-Insubunab)

  • 24. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “淳昌” (Sunchang)

  • 25. Tribute Ceramic Shards from Jeolla-do Province

  • 26. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “義興仁壽府” (UiHeung-Insubu)

  • 27. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “淸道長興” (Chungdo-Jangheung)

  • 28. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “慶山長興庫” (Gyeongsan-Jangheunggo)

  • 29. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “蔚山仁壽府” (Ulsan-Insubu)

  • 30. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “綾城·內子” (Neungsung‧Naeja)

  • 31. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “禮安長興庫” (Yean-Jangheunggo)

  • 32. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “永川長興庫” (Yeongcheon-Jangheunggo)

  • 33. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “昆南郡長興庫集用” (Gonnamgun-Jangheunggojibyong)

  • 34. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “東萊長興庫” (Dongrae-Jangheunggo)

  • 35. Bowl and Dishes, Buncheong ware with stamped chrysanthemum design Wooden and Bamboo Tags (Replica), Cargo markers with inscription of “羅州廣興倉” (Naju Gwangheungchang)

  • 36. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “順興長興庫” (Sunheung-Jangheunggojibyong)

  • 37. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “星州長興庫” (Sungju-Jangheunggo)

  • 38. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “晋州長” (Jinjujang)

  • 39. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “靈山仁壽府” (Yeongsan-Insubu)

  • 40. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “昌寧仁壽府” (Changnyung-Insubu)

  • 41. Shards, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of potter’s name

  • 42. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “三加仁壽府” (Samga-Insubu)

  • 43. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “宜寧仁壽府” (Uiryeong-Insubu)

  • 44. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “昌原長興庫” (Changwon-Jangheunggo)

  • 45. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “昌原長興庫” (Gimhae-Jangheungjibyong)

  • 46. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “梁山長興庫” (Yangsan-Jangheunggo)

  • 47. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “咸安長興庫” (Haman-Jangheunggo)

  • 48. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “鎭海仁壽府” (Jinhae-Insubu)

  • 49. Jar, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “慶州長興庫” (Gyeongju-Jangheunggo)

  • 50. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “軍威仁壽府” (Jinhae-Insubu)

  • 51. Jar, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “陜川長興庫” (Hapcheon-Jangheunggo)

  • 52. Jar, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “慶尙” (Kyungsang)

  • 53. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “長興庫” (Jangheunggo)

  • 54. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “禮賓” (Yebin)

  • 55. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “內贍” (Naesum)

  • 56. Bottle, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “內贍” (Naesum)

  • 57. Dish, Buncheong ware with Inlayed design and inscription of “寧” (Nyung)

  • 58. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “敬承府” (Kyungseungbu)

  • 59. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “德寧府” (Duknyeongbu)

  • 60. Bowl, Celadon with inscription of “司饔” (Saong)

  • 61. Shard of Celadon with inscription of “饔” (Ong)

  • 62. Shard of Celadon with inscription of “司饔” (Saong)

  • 63. Dish, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “咸安昭格” (Haman-sogyeok)

  • 64. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “仁壽府” (Insubu)

  • 65. Bowl, Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “內資內用” (Naejanaeyong)

  • 66. Shard of White Porcelain with inscription of Government Office Names

  • 67. Shard of Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “內資寺” (Naejasi)

  • 68. Shard of Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “資” (Ja) “執”(Jib)

  • 69. Bottle, Buncheong Wares with Stamped Design and Inscription of “仁壽府” (Insubu)

  • 70. Bottle, Buncheong Wares with Stamped Design and Inscription of “內資” (Naeja)

  • 71. Bottle, Buncheong ware with inlaid peony and stamped design

  • 72. Bottle, White porcelain with inlaid peony design

  • 73. Bottle, White porcelain with inlaid peony design

  • 74. Covered Bowls Buncheong ware with stamped design and White porcelain

  • 75. Bottles, Buncheong ware with stamped design, brushed and white slip, White porcelain

  • 76. Bowl, White porcelain with inlaid lotus scroll design

  • 77. Bowls Buncheong ware with Stamped design, white porcelain and white porcelain with celadon glaze

  • 78. Stem Cup Buncheong ware with stamped design and inscription of “三加仁壽府” (Samga-Insubu)

  • 79. Stem Cups, White porcelain and White porcelain with celadon glaze

  • 80. Cups with Handles, White porcelain

  • 81. Bowls, White porcelain with incised inscriptions of “天”(cheon), “地”(Ji), “玄”(Hyun), and “黃”(Hwang)

  • 82. Bowls, White porcelain

  • 83. Dish, White porcelain

  • 84. Rimmed Dish, White porcelain

  • 85. Bottle, White porcelain

  • 86. Lobed Dish, White porcelain

  • 87. Rice Bale-shaped Bottle, White porcelain

  • 88. Flattened Bottle, White porcelain

  • 89. Jar·Covered Jar, White porcelain

  • 90. Covered Jar, White porcelain

  • 92. Gyeongguk daejeon (National Code) Vol. 6

  • 93. Shards, White porcelain and celadon excavated from the kiln sites No.4 in Usan-ri, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do Province

  • 94. Shards, White porcelain and buncheong ware excavated from the kiln sites No.1 in Doma-ri, Gwnagju, Gyeonggi-do Province

  • 95. Shards, White porcelain with inlaid design excavated from the kiln sites No. 9 in Usan-ri, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do Province

  • 96. Shards, White porcelain excavated from the kiln sites No.9 in Beoncheon-ri, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do Province

  • 97. Gukjo oryeui seorye (Introductory Volume to the Five Rites of the State)

  • 98. Sejong sillok orye (Introductory Volume to the Five Rites of the State)

  • 99. Ritual Vessel Bo(簠), Buncheong ware with inlaid wave design

  • 100. Ritual Vessel Bo(簠). Buncheong ware with fret design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 101. Ritual Vessel Chakjun(著尊), Buncheong ware with inlaid mountain design

  • 102. Ritual Vessel Sangjun(象尊), Buncheong ware with inlaid elephant design

  • 103. Ritual Vessels Excavated in Gayajinsa Shrine, Yangsan, Buncheong ware incised design and white slip

  • 104. Handled Cups and Saucers, white porcelain with inlaid design·bronze·white porcelain

  • 105. Horn-shaped Cups, Buncheong ware and white porcelain

  • 106. Bowl for Placenta with its cover Placenta Jar and Tablet for King Sejo Buncheong ware with stamped design and stone carved with inscription

  • 107. Placenta Jars with additional Lid and Tablet for King Yejong Buncheong ware with stamped design and stone carved with inscription

  • 108. Placenta Jar and Tablet for King Gwanghaegun. White porcelain and stone carved with inscription

  • 109. Epitaph Tablet and Flattened Bottle, Handled Cup, Saucer, White porcelain with inlaid lotus scroll design

  • 110. Jar, Buncheong ware with inlaid and stamped cloud and dragon design

  • 111. Bottle, White porcelain with cloud and dragon design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 112. Jar, White porcelain with cloud and dragon design andcinscription of “宣德年製”(Xuande nianzhi) in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 113. Ewer, White porcelain

  • 115. Ritual Vessel Salloe (山罍), White porcelain with fret and mountain design in underglaze cobalt–blue and iron-brown

  • 117. Covered Bowl, White porcelain

  • 116. Covered Jar, White porcelain

  • 119. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised flower design

  • 120. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised and sgraffito peony design

  • 121. Rice bale-shaped Bottle, Buncheong ware with peony design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 122. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised and sgraffito peony scroll design

  • 123. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised peony design

  • 124. Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised and sgraffito peony design

  • 125. Jar, Buncheong ware with incised and sgraffito peony design

  • 126. Jar with Three lugs, Buncheong ware with incised peony design and brushed with white slip

  • 127. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with sgraffito taegeuk design

  • 128. Jar, Buncheong ware with sgraffito fish design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 129. Bottle, Buncheong wares with lotus and fish design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 130. Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised and sgraffito lotus and fish design

  • 131. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised fish design

  • 132. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware with incised dog design

  • 133. Covered Bowl, Buncheong ware with lotus scroll design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 134. Turtle-shaped Bottle, Buncheong ware with sgraffito and iron-painted peony design

  • 135. Dishs, Buncheong ware with scroll design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 136. Jar, Buncheong ware with scroll design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 137. Jar with Three lugs, Buncheong ware brushed with white slip

  • 138. Flattened Bottle, Buncheong ware brushed with white slip

  • 139. Jar, White porcelain coated with underglaze iron-brown

  • 140. Bale-shaped Bottle, Buncheong wares with incised and sgraffito fish design

  • 142. Jar White porcelain with pine tree and bamboo design and inscription of “弘治” (Hongzhi) in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 143. Rimmed Dish White porcelain with floral medallion scroll design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 144. Shards of Rimmed Dish, White porcelain with floral medallion and figure design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 145. Shard of Rimmed Dish, White porcelain with figure design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 146. Rimmed Dish, White porcelain with landscape and figure design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 147. Rimmed Dish, White porcleain with poem in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 148. Saucer White porcleain with grass and insect design and inscription of “忘憂臺”(Mangwudae) in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 149. Jar, White porcelain with plum blossom, bird, and bamboo design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 150. Jar·Handled Cup·Bowl·Covered Small Jar White porcelain with plum blossom and bamboo design in underglaze cobalt-blue and iron-brown

  • 151. Water Dropper, White porcelain with pine tree and plum blossom design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 152. Shard of Jar, White porcelain with plum blossom and bamboo design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 153. Jar, White porcelain with plum blossom and bamboo design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 154. Covered Jar, White porcelain with plum blossom, bird, and bamboo design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 155. Covered Jar, White porcelain with plum blossom design in underglaze cobalt-blue

  • 156. Bottle, White porcelain with rope design in underglaze iron-brown

  • 1. Landscapes

  • 2. Mountain Village in Clearing Mist

  • 3. Landscape

  • 4. Landscapes

  • 5. Landscapes

  • 6. Winter Landscape

  • 7. Winter Landscape

  • 8. Poem by Shin Sukju and Poem by Kim Jongseo

  • 9. Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers

  • 10. Eight Views of the Four Seasons

  • 11. Wild Geese Descending to Sandbar

  • 12. Evening Bell from Mist-shrouded Temple

  • 13. Mountain Village in Clearing Mist

  • 14. Evening Bell from Mist-shrouded Temple

  • 16. Fishing Village in the Evening Glow and Wild Geese Descending to Sandbar

  • 17. Autumn Moon over Lake Dongtin

  • 18. Mountain Village in Clearing Mist

  • 19. Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers

  • 20. Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers

  • 21. Lofty Scholar Contemplating Water

  • 22. Boy Opening a Door, Cutting Plum Branches and Putting Them into a Vase, Noble Scholar Crossing a Bridge

  • 23. Scholar Riding a Donkey

  • 24. The Nine-Bend Stream at Mt. Wuyi

  • 25. Landscape with a Pavilion

  • 26. Travelers in a Landscape

  • 27. Landscape

  • 28. Snowscape with Figures

  • 29. Boy Pulling a Donkey

  • 30. Moonlight Stroll under a Pine Tree

  • 31. The Red Cliff

  • 32. Portrait of Jang Malson

  • 33. Portrait of Hong Gasin

  • 34. Portrait of Kim Jin

  • 35. Portrait of Yi Hyeonbo

  • 36. Song of Birthday

  • 37. Gathering of Officials of the Ministry of Military Affairs

  • 38. Gathering of Officials of the Ministry of Censor-General

  • 39. Gathering of Officials of Bureau of Market Weights and Measures

  • 40. Gathering of Officials of the Ministry of Military Affairs

  • 41. Gathering of Officials of the Royal Tomb Construction Commission for Queen Munjeong

  • 42. Gathering of Government Officials

  • 43. Gathering of Officials of Reading Research Institute

  • 44. Gathering of Officials Who Passed the State Examination in the Same Year

  • 45. Gathering of Officials of the Ministry of Finance

  • 46. Gathering of Senior Officials

  • 47. Plum Blossoms and Moon

  • 48. Withered Bamboo and Bamboo in the Wind

  • 49. Jar

  • 50. Album of Ancient Calligraphy from Bihaedang Hall

  • 51. Thousand Character Classic in Standard and Cursive Scripts

  • 52. King Munjong's Cursive Script, King Seongjong's Semi-Cursive Script

  • 53. Calligraphy in Semi-Cursive Script

  • 54. Calligraphy in Cursive Script

  • 55. Calligraphy in Cursive Script

  • 56. Calligraphy in Cursive Script

  • 57. Calligraphy in Cursive Script

  • 58. Thousand Character Classic

  • 59. Album of Genuine Writings by Seokbong

  • 60. Flowers and Birds

  • 61. Ten Symbols of Longevity

  • 62. Ten Symbols of Longevity

  • 63. Cranes under Bamboo

  • 64. Hawk on a Stand

  • 65. Pair of Birds and Eggplant

  • 66. Insects and Plants

  • 67. Flowers, Birds, and Puppies

  • 68. Puppies under Blossoms

  • 69. Mother Dog and Puppies

  • 70. One Hundred Deer

  • 71. Scroll of Hawks

  • 72. Lacquered Box with Mother-of-pearl Inlay of Chrysanthemum Scroll Design

  • 73. Lacquered Box with Mother-of-pearl Inlay of Peony Scroll Design

  • 74. Lacquered Ogival Tray with Mother-of-pearl Inlay of Peony Scroll Design

  • 1. Birth of Shakyamuni Buddha

  • 2. Narrative Image of the Buddha’s Life

  • 3. The Great Departure

  • 4. Water-moon Avalokiteshvara

  • 5. Water-moon Avalokiteshvara

  • 6. Shakyamuni Buddha Preaching at Vulture Peak

  • 7. Bhaisajyaguru Triad (Medicine Buddha)

  • 8. Assembly of the Four Buddhas

  • 9. Gilt-bronze Portable Shrine and Seven Gilt-bronze Seated Amitabha Buddhas from the Seven-story Stone Pagoda of Simgoksa Temple

  • 10. Gilt-bronze Seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

  • 11. Gilt-bronze Seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

  • 12. Gilt-bronze Buddha Triad from the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Muryangsa Temple

  • 13. Sarira Reliquaries from the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple

  • 14. Gilt-bronze Portable Shrine and Gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha Triad from the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Maegok-dong

  • 15. Bronze Incense Burner with Silver Inlay of Cheonggoksa Temple

  • 16. Bronze Buddhist Bell of Sujongsa Temple

  • 17. Bronze Buddhist Bell of Yujeomsa Temple

  • 18. Gilt-bronze Portable Shrine and Seated Shakyamuni Buddha Triad from the Five-story Octagonal Stone Pagoda of Sujongsa Temple

  • 19. Dry-lacquered Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva of Girimsa Temple

  • 20. Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha of Yongmunsa Temple

  • 21. Wooden Seated Buddha of Jogyesa Temple

  • 22. Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha of Heukseoksa Temple

  • 23. Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha of Cheonjusa Temple

  • 24. lluminated Manuscripts of Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra), Vol. 1-7

  • 25. Combined Sutra on the Profundity of Parental Love

  • 26. The Sutra on the Profundity of Parental Love

  • 27. The Vajracchedika prajnaparamita Sutra (The Diamond Sutra), Vol. 1

  • 28. The Tripitaka Koreana

  • 29. Songs Proclaiming the Titles of All the Honorable Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

  • 30. Commentary and Korean Translation of Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra)

  • 31. Record of the Manifestation of Avalokitesvara

  • 32. Worin cheongangjigok (Songs of the Moon’s Reflection on a Thousand Rivers), Vol. 1

  • 33. Suryuk mucha pyeongdeung jaeui chwaryo (Ritual Text for the Water and Land Ritual)

  • 34. Commentary on the Mahaparinirvana Sutra (The Nirvana Sutra), Vols. 9-10 / Commentary on the Mahayana abhidharma samucchaya vyakhya (Collection of the Mahayana Abhidharma), Vols 13-14 / Commentary on the Vajracchedika prajnaparamita Sutra (The Diamond Sutra)

  • 35. Shurangama Sutra (The Sutra of the Heroic One), Korean Translation / Movable Hangeul Metal Types

  • 36. Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra), Korean Translation, Vol. 3

  • 37. Mahavaipulya purnabudha Sutra (The Perfect Enlightenment Sutra), Korean Translation

  • 38. Mongsanhwasang beobeo yangnok (Abstracts from Sermons of Buddhist Monk Mengshan), Korean Translation

  • 39. Yukjodaesa beopbo dangyeong (The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch), Korean Translation

  • 40. Moguja susimgyeol (Monk Jinul’s Teachings on Mind Cultivation) and Four Dharma-Words, Korean Translation

  • 41. Odae jineon (Five Great Mantras)

  • 42. Jineon gwongong (A Book of Mantras Promoting Meritorious Acts)

  • 43. Cheonji myeongyang suryuk jammun (Manual of Water and Land Ritual) / Printing Woodblocks of Cheonji myeongyang suryuk jammun (Manual of Water and Land Ritual)

  • 44. Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra), Vols. 5-7

  • 45. The Sutra on the Profundity of Parental Love

  • 46. Kshitigarbha pranidhana Sutra (Great Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)

  • 47. Kshitigarbha pranidhana Sutra (Great Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)

  • 48. Seated Wooden Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

  • 49. Dry-lacquered Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

  • 50. Stone Seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

  • 51. Clay Standing Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva / Clay Standing Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva

  • 52. Wooden Seated Buddha

  • 53. Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha

  • 54. Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva and Ten Underworld Kings

  • 55. Three Bodhisattvas

  • 56. Stone Seated Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva with Inscription of “正德十年” (Tenth Year of Zhengde)

  • 57. Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva and Ten Underworld Kings

  • 58. Preaching of Shakyamuni Buddha

  • 59. Illustration of Kshitigarbha pranidhana Sutra (Great Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)

  • 60. Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva Mandala

  • 61. The King of Sweet Dew

  • 1. Hunminjeongeum (The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People)