Four leaves of illus. 30 folding leaves. Large 8vo (305 x 208 mm.), orig. yellow semi-stiff wrappers (upper wrappers somewhat soiled, both wrappers with some worming), new stitching. [Korea]: 1765.

First edition of this book published on royal command by King Yŏngjo of Chosŏn. The book was compiled by Kim Kwi-ju 金龜柱 (1740-86), the older brother of Queen Consort Chŏngsun (1745-1805). The royal Preface is furthermore written in Kim’s standard script calligraphy. Years after the compilation of this book, factional intrigue under Yŏngjo’s successor, Chŏngjo, led to Kim being exiled, after which he soon died.

Our book outlines sacrifices... More

]. [1], 46 folding leaves. Small folio (346 x 227 mm.), orig. yellow semi-stiff wrappers (lightly rubbed), title in manuscript on upper cover, old stitching. [Hansŏng]: Un’gak, 1773.

First, and apparently only, printing of the official record of “linked songs” composed at the royal banquet of elders on the occasion of King Yŏngjo’s (r. 1724-76) 80th birthday in 1773, printed the day after the banquet and presented to its guests. The title is not in WorldCat or KORCIS; we locate only two other copies, both in Korea.

In the intercalary third month of the 50th year of his reign, King... More