Hidai Tenrai and History of Korean Calligraphy

A Consideration on Chosen shodo seika

Abstract

  Hidai Tenrai (Kou, 1872-1939) is one of great calligraphers who marked a significant achievement in the world of calligraphy in modern times and highly appreciated for his contribution in nurturing many disciples who play major roles in the calligraphic society today. Hidai issued “Shogakuin kensetsu shuisyo” in 1919 with the aim to found an institution for comprehensive research of calligraphy. He toured through Japan in order to raise funds for the project and, as a part of the effort, visited Korea in September, 1926, which led to his encounter with excellent works of Korean calligraphy. In 1931, he published Chosen shodo seika (five volumes) with help from some experts and introduced works of Korean calligraphy to a wide Japanese audience, who had known very little about them until then.

  This article examines the reality and positioning of the research by Hidai Tenrai of Korean calligraphy by focusing on Chosen shodo seika, whose value and position have been rarely mentioned beforehand, and by illuminating the background, circumstance, and process of its publication.

  The findings indicate that Hidai actively tried to appreciate works of unknown calligraphers based on his own critical eyes and unique view of calligraphic history. It is highly possible that his effort may have introduced multifaceted viewpoints to the study of Korean calligraphy and on this point, Chosen shodo seika has its significance.

  It should be also appreciated that the fact that Hidai met Kim Donhee and had teaching from him in editing Chosen shodo seika to complete the collection as a kind of joint work had an effect of relativizing the study of Korean calligraphic history, which had been traditionally led by people of the suzerain state.