A Study on the Formation and Transmission of the Goryeong Shin Family Calligraphy(Seoye)

This paper aims to elucidate the formation and transmission of calligraphy within the Goryeong Shin Family, with a focus on Shin Gong-je as the central figure. It explores the specific content and influence of academic pursuits and calligraphy among previous generations, as well as the process and significance of their transmission to subsequent generations. In the social context of the Joseon Dynasty, where communal consciousness within clans and social recognition were paramount, maintaining academic traditions and transmitting them to posterity through means such as legal text compilations were vital tasks for enhancing the family's status and reputation, as well as for practicing Confucian filial piety. These actions served as significant driving forces, leading to the diverse development of Joseon calligraphy culture. The Goryeong Shin Family, as one of the families engaged in calligraphy activities, demonstrates a clear lineage and influence, supported by numerous records regarding the transmission and impact of their calligraphy. The lineage and academic pursuits of the Goryeong Shin Family began with Shin Deok-rin and continued through his son, Shin Po-si, and grandson, Shin Jang. These individuals were proficient in calligraphy, with both Shin Deok-rin and Shin Jang having their calligraphy documented in historical records. Their lineage naturally transitioned to Shin Suk-ju and Shin Mal-ju, who displayed similarities or even greater maturity in their calligraphy compared to their predecessors. Furthermore, Shin Suk-ju's transmission of Shin Jang's calligraphy to his son marked the evolution of the lineage into a complete academic tradition. Subsequently, an analysis was conducted on Shin Gong-je's calligraphy and the compilation of the “Haedong Myeongjeok”. Like his predecessors, Shin Gong-je learned and respected the calligraphy traditions of previous generations, compiling the “Haedong Myeongjeok” to perpetuate the Goryeong Shin Family's calligraphy and honor the calligraphic achievements of his ancestors. Following him, figures such as Shin Jam, Shin Dam, Shin Heop, Shin Geuk-cheong, Shin Sok, and Shin Il-cheong continued calligraphy activities, maintaining the lineage and academic pursuits. Through records of previous generations' calligraphy learning, the specific content and significance were confirmed. Finally, it is emphasized that research addressing gaps or approaching the essence and development of Joseon calligraphy culture from the perspectives of academic pursuits and transmission should continue persistently.