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Asian Dance Journal

The Dance Appreciation of the Chinese Envoys in the Late Joseon Dynasty

조선시대 중국 사신의 춤 향유

Cho, Kyunga 조경아

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2014.35.169

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.35 pp.169-195

Abstract
The Dance Appreciation of the Chinese Envoys in the Late Joseon Dynasty ×

This study starts from the question of what kind of dance had been appreciated by Chinese envoys. The major spots where Chinese envoys visit are Uiju-Jeongju-Anju-Pyeongyang-Hwangju- Gaeseong and there are banquets for Chinese envoys, with female professional entertainer, called as gisaeng’ s dance performance. According to Joseonbu朝鮮賦, solmu率舞 which is a type of group dance was performed in Pyeongyang and Hwangju. Dance was included even in various amusements. And it was intended to show the very peaceful time to Chinese envoys through performing dance and song by gisaeng at han river. Also small scale dance was performed in Chinese envoy's personal space. The dance which was enjoyed by China Ming envoy in court banquets for Chinese envoys is , court dance called as jeongjae(呈才). The number of gisaeng who entertained Chinese envoys was forty, during the reign of king of Sejong. The number of dances which has been enjoyed by the Qing dynasty envoys is smaller than what has been enjoyed by the Ming dynasty envoys. The number of parties and dance performances for Qing envoys in local is also smaller than Ming dynasty envoy's case. The Qing dynasty envoys appreciated jeongjae which was performed by dancing boys as called mudong in the court. According to diplomatic records in 1720, as called Tongmunganji, those were etc.

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The Dance Appreciation of the Japanese Envoys in the Joseon Dynasty

조선시대 일본 사신의 춤 향유

Cho, KyungA 조경아

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2015.37.165

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.37 pp.165-194

Abstract
The Dance Appreciation of the Japanese Envoys in the Joseon Dynasty ×

This study starts from the question of what kind of dance had been appreciated by Japanese envoys. The scope of time period for this research is the Joseon Dynasty. The research objective is Joseon-wangjo-sillok (朝鮮王朝實錄), Akhakgwebeom (樂學軌範), all of source materials from official record and many literary works. First, Japanese envoys were enjoying the dance on the way to Seoul. In the Gyeongsangdo, Chungcheongdo, Gyeonggido, the banquets were held for Japanese envoys. Particularly, most performances took place in Gyeongsangdo. Thus the hosting for the Japanese envoys has contributed to the development of dance culture Gyeongsang region. Unfortunately the dance repertories are not known . After Imjin War, the feast and dance performances for Japanese envoys have existed only in Dongrae. Dancing performances performed in Japan House in Dongrae is seen in Dongrae-busa-jeobwae-sado (東萊府使接倭使圖). Secondly, the dances which were enjoyed by Japanese envoys in the court are Munmu, Mumu, Mongkeumcheok, Oyangseon, Dongdong, Mugo, Jeongdaeeop, Botaepyeong, and Bonglaeui. And those are called as court dance, jeongjae(呈才). Depending on the time, gisaeng and boy dancer were dancing performances for the Japanese envoy. The dance was not created for the Japanese envoys. In this regard, it can be seen that significantly less than the Chinese envoys. Third, Japanese envoy was also dancing in the royal feast. As the nationalities of audience and performers were different, the dances performed for Japanese envoys in Joseon Dynasty were kinds of international exchange.

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The Political Implications of the Royal Rites and the 50th Birthday Party in the Reign of Yunghee Emperor

융희황제 재위 시 황실의례의 정치적 의미와 오순탄신 거동

Nah, Jeongwon 나정원

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2016.42.37

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.42 pp.37-58

Abstract
The Political Implications of the Royal Rites and the 50th Birthday Party in the Reign of Yunghee Emperor ×

To Japanese colonialists, scholars, and common Koreans influenced by and educated through the Japanese colonial historical perspective, Kwangmoo and Yunghee Emperor were powerless, impotent monarchs in the face of the Japanese forces. This kind of estimation corresponds exactly to that of the Daehan Empire under Japanese colonialism, which intentionally negated the positive role of these two emperors. However, we have to reconsider and re-evaluate this estimation. We can pose two political statuses, namely those of an “instrument of Japanese colonial domination” (Instrument) and a “symbol of anti-colonial resistance” (Symbol). Yunghee Emperor became a new emperor of the Daehan Empire under the Japanese in the era of the Residency-General, and played the role of Instrument to his death by the Japanese powers, who tried to use this emperor and the Royal Chamber itself. Paradoxically, and regardless of the Japanese intention, Yunghee also played the role of Symbol to oppressed common Koreans. We can confirm this role in the Royal South Tour and the Royal West Tour in 1907, as well as the Royal Tomb Tour in 1917. In the Royal Dance and Music for his 50th Birthday Party, the Instrumental meaning was greater than the Symbolic meaning due the Japanese Government General’s ability to distort these two art forms. It is a general estimation that Yunghee’s political status was that of an Instrument rather than a Symbol in the eras of both the Residency-General and the Government General. The Instrument status is practical, positive, and general, whereas the Symbol status is symbolic, negative, and partial. To the Japanese colonialists, Yunghee was an Instrument, and his status as a Symbol was permitted to a limited extent for common Koreans. However, we can deepen this Symbolic role through the further research.

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The Music from the Party Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of King Sunjong

순종탄신 오순 경축 기념연의 무동정재와 음악

Lee, Sujoung 이수정

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2016.42.59

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.42 pp.59-84

Abstract
The Music from the Party Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of King Sunjong ×

The congratulatory party that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the birth of King Sunjong took place at Injeongjeon Hall in Changdeokgung Palace on March 25, 1923, during the period of Japanese Occupation. As the royal family would not hold any big events after the demise of King Sunjong in 1926, it was the last event by which one can track changes in the parties of the Joseon Dynasty. This was different from the usual parties of Joseon Dynasty. The changes involved the venue, as it was not held at Jeongjeon (the courtyard for the main building) but instead took place inside Donghaenggak and Injeongjeon placed in the corner, and it also involved the serving luncheon and dinner, with participants seated at two rows of Western-style tables. Such changes distinguished the party from the previous Jinyeon (palatial party) of the Joseon Dynasty. Despite such changes in the royal ceremonies, in contrast to the Korean Empire, specific norms were not adopted in the period of Japanese Occupation. The modernizing changes to the ceremonies between the Korean Empire and the period of Japanese Occupation show how the Joseon tradition developed into the modern tradition. Presumably, there were changes to the music and dance used at the party, but details on such alterations cannot be found. At the event, eleven instrumental pieces-including Taepyeongchunjigok-and seven pieces of Mudong jeongjae (“court dance music with a boy dancer”) were performed. Instrumental music and Mudong jeongjae were presented at both luncheon and dinner. When Mudong jeongjae was performed at the party, it drew attention, as this represented a restoration of a presentation that had been removed from the royal protocol 20 or so years before. Moreover, the students of Yiwangjik aakbu (“Office of the Yi Dynasty’s Ceremonial Music”) were trained to perform for the event, which was significant in that has carried the tradition of Mudong jeongjae up to the present times. Having considered the performance of Mudong jeongjae following the 50th anniversary of King Sunjong’s birth, Yiwangjik aakbu performed in Kyoto. Moreover, having been performed at the Kyoto presentation, Jangsaengboyeonjimu was learned by a Japanese dancer. Based on this, Miyako Odori was created in Japan. The work was performed at the exposition that not only marked the participation in World Expo but also celebrated the marriage of Hirohito and the 15th anniversary of the Korea-Japan annexation. Aalthough Mudong jeongjae was restored for the 50th anniversary of King Sunjong’s birth, it was one of the projects that was presumably planned and prepared for such purposes. Despite its changes, the ceremonies during the period of Japanese Occupation, including the party that celebrated the 50th anniversary of King Sunjong’s birth, are highly significant in that they were crucial in carrying traditional Korean music up to the present times. Nevertheless, musicians’ strenuous efforts to carry the traditional music through the period of Japanese Occupation should not be regarded as just one of the musical characteristics of the period or reenacted in an optimistic manner. When considering the court ceremonies during the period of Japanese Occupation, the context of what happened to Yiwangjik aakbu should first understand; this will allow us to determine which parts of the ceremonies are to be carried on and which parts are to be objectively described.

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A Study on the Mudong Jungjae Dances Performed at the 50th Birthday Banquet of King Soonjong

순종 탄신 오순 만찬연의 무동정재 연구

Lee, Jongsook 이종숙

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2016.42.85

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.42 pp.85-116

Abstract
A Study on the Mudong Jungjae Dances Performed at the 50th Birthday Banquet of King Soonjong ×

This study investigates the background, contents, and choreographic style of the Mudong (舞童) Jungjae (呈才) performed at the 50th birthday banquet of King Soonjong, the last emperor of the Korean Empire. Gainjeonmokdan (佳人剪牧丹), Jangsaengboyeonjimu (長生寶宴之舞), Yeonbaekbokjjimu (演百福之舞), Mugo (舞鼓), Pogurak (抛毬樂), Bosangmu (寶相舞), Suyeonjang (壽延長), Chunaengjeon (春鶯囀), and Cheoyongmu (處容舞) were performed at the banquet held on March 25, 1923, on King Soonjong’s birthday. Among them, Cheoyongmu was excluded from this study, as it was separately studied and performed by Aaksu (雅樂手) and five physically fit Aakseng (雅樂生) students from the first-year class of the Aakdae training school. Thus, this study examines eight Jungjae dances that were performed by Aakseng students who were selected as Mudong. The Korean Empire was colonized by Japan on August 29, 1910; following this, King Soonjong’s daily life was restricted through the control of Iwangjik (李王職), or the Office of the Yi Dynasty. This study examines Jungjae dances that were studied and performed by 11 Aakseng (雅樂生) Mudong; these were hastily put together for the 50th birthday of King Soonjong. Aakseng boys aged 13~19 years, who joined the Aakdae (雅樂隊) training school as the first-year and second-year class in the early winter of 1922. were abruptly enlisted to learn Jungjae dances. After five months, they performed for the king. This launched the dancing careers as Mudong for Aakseng students at the Aakdae training school within Iwangjik. The dances performed at the 50th birthday banquet of King Soonjong were mostly createdin 1828 and 1829. The story of these Jungjae dances included ① the love between husband and wife and ② a wish for the longevity and prosperity of the country. In addition, they comprised ③ entertaining elements that combined a wish for longevity with amusement, completing the broad variety of the dance. By the 29th year of King Gojong’s reign or the Imjin year of 1892, and following their performance at the 41st birthday banquet of King Gojong, the number of dancers for the Mudong Jungjae performance was finalized. The choreographic styles of the eight dances are discussed in greater detail below. The Mudong Jungjae of the Joseon Dynasty is said to have been passed down with great difficulty under political and cultural oppression during the Japanese colonial era. In this study, we propose to lay the groundwork for establishing a proper historical perspective on the dissemination of traditional dances through consideration of their background.

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Sending Jangagwon’s Boy Dancers and Female Entertainers to Private Homes : A Focus on Cases of Jeong Won-yong’s Hoebang

장악원 무동과 기녀의 춤을 사가(私家)에 내려주다 : 정원용 회방연(回榜宴)의 사례를 중심으로

Cho, Kyunga 조경아

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2016.43.79

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.43 pp.79-111

Abstract
Sending Jangagwon’s Boy Dancers and Female Entertainers to Private Homes : A Focus on Cases of Jeong Won-yong’s Hoebang ×

This study begins with the question of what dances were performed in the Sa-ak during the Joseon Dynasty. The Sa-ak (賜樂) consisted of a director, musicians, female entertainers, boy dancers, and a Cheoyong masked dance group. The research objective is Jeongsanggonhoenangilok, which was written to celebrate Hoebang (回榜)’s 60th anniversary of passing the state examination by Jeong Won-yong(1783- 1873). The Joseon wangjo sillok (朝鮮王朝實錄) and Akhakgwebeom (樂學軌範) were also sources of background material, consisting of official records and literary works, that were subject to review. In terms of the rites of the Hoebang, on January 1, 1862, the king gave orders. In addition to feasting by the royal family, the government allowed citizens to also participate in festivals, many of which were held over the course of two months. Relative to the Sa-ak, the king established the first degree of Sa-ak, which consisted of a total of 52 people: 1 director, 36 musicians, 10 boy dancers, and 5 Cheoyong masked dancers. They performed for two months. In terms of the performances, the repertoires of the boy dancers were not recorded and remain unknown. While it was performed leisurely, it gave a feeling of flourishing and colorful. The female entertainers performed seven kinds of dances along with the Jangagwon orchestra: Cheoyong masked dance, sword dance, drum dance, pogulak (dancing ball into hole), seonyulak (dancing to play on the ship), and hyangbal heonseondo (dancing to give a long life peach). These repertoires were the most popular forms of jeongjae (呈才) in the late Joseon court. The Sa-ak was performed as part of a private feast. “Sa-ak” is an important keyword for understanding the culture of Korean dancing, because it spreads as “Sa-ak” in private space, and has the character of cultural circulation in which the enjoyment of royal court dance extends to individuals.

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Sending Jangagwon’s Boy Dancers and Female Entertainers to Private Homes : A Focus on Cases of Jeong Won-yong’s Hoebang ×
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The Value and Limit of a Joseon Muak, the Film Recorded by the Japanese Government General of Korea.

조선총독부 기록영상 『조선무악』의 무용사적 가치와 한계

Cho, Kyunga 조경아

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2017.47.0099

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.47 pp.99-119

Abstract
The Value and Limit of a Joseon Muak, the Film Recorded by the Japanese Government General of Korea. ×

Joseon Muak is a black-and-white silent film produced on June 29, 1931. This film was made in the Japanese Government General of Korea. This was made under the name of King Yeongchin. It was made to be sent to the royal family in Tokyo. This study starts from the question of what the values and limitations of Joseon Muak are. This article applies a cultural perspective on the Joseon Muak. Seven dances were recorded on the film. The seven dance include Bongraeui, Bosangmu, Mugo, Jangsaeng boyongimu, Pogurak, Cheongmu, and Hayongryongmu. All these dances were performed by boys called mudong. The value of this the film is as follows. First, there is the material value the oldest image material of Jeongjae. Second, it shows a Japanese occupation version, hence holding the value in its content. Third, there is a transferable value in determining the trace and change. Fourth, it is aesthetically worthwhile to experience the aesthetic achievement. It has the following limitations. First of all, there is a limit of silent films that do not feature music. There also is the ultimate limitation of being built in a very abbreviated form.

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Dance Culture of the Joseon Dynasty Read through PaintingⅠ: Dancing Picture in Royal Space

그림으로 읽는 조선시대의 춤 문화 Ⅰ : 왕실공간의 춤 그림

Cho, Kyunga 조경아

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2019.55.275

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.55 pp.275-315

Abstract
Dance Culture of the Joseon Dynasty Read through PaintingⅠ: Dancing Picture in Royal Space ×

The aim of this research is to understand the dancing culture of the Joseon Dynasty period(1392~1910) by examining dancing pictures in multi-level. The objects of the analysis are 22 pictures of dancing in royal space, 37 pictures if one counts copies and different editions. Iconography and literature research are used as basic research methods, and comparative study is used as well. Chronologically speaking, the pictures of dancing in royal space had been drawn from Jungjong(1488~1544, r.1506~1544) to Gojong(1852~1919, r.1863~1907) in Joseon Dynasty. In terms of space, royal palace is the space where the royal family and officials enjoyed dancing. In terms of audience-performer, there are only male audiences in dancing pictures from Jungjong to Yeongjo(1694~1776, r.1724~1776) but female audiences appear from Jeongjo(1572~1800, r.1776~1800). The performers in the dancing pictures are various like female dancers entertainer called as ginyeo, boy dancers called as mudong, cheoyong dancers, and even officials. In later times, the dancing ginyeo becames noticeable. It has been proven by the pictures of dancing officials that the officials were dancing in the party with a king. In terms of the way of drawing dancing, it has been started from Jeongjo that multiple jeongjae appear in one scene as if they are performed simultaneously. In Soonjo(1790~1834, r.1800~1834), dance painting accurately reflected the performance. All the dances performed were pictured. Gradually, however, during the Korean Empire, only some of the dances performed were painted. Popular dance was drawn frequently. I suggest that the importance of dance in record pictures of royal space is directly proportional to the importance of dance in real culture.

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Dance Culture of the Joseon Dynasty Read through Painting Ⅱ : Pictures of Dancing in Local Government Office Space

그림으로 읽는 조선시대의 춤 문화 Ⅱ : 관아공간의 춤 그림

Cho, Kyunga 조경아

DOI:10.26861/sddh.2020.58.171

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.58 pp.171-202

Abstract
Dance Culture of the Joseon Dynasty Read through Painting Ⅱ : Pictures of Dancing in Local Government Office Space ×

The aim of this research is to understand the dance culture in the government office space of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1910). The objects of the analysis are 32 pictures of dancing in local government office space. Iconography and literature research are used as basic research methods, and comparative study is used as well. Chronologically, pictures of dancing in local government space appeared from 1580 to 1796, geographically from Pyeongando to Jeju Island. Most of the dance genres shown in the pictures were jeongjae. The performers in the pictures of dancing included female dancing entertainers called as ginyeo, boy dancers called as mudong, cheoyong dancers, and clowns also. Furthermore, the pictures revealed that a government officer and old men invited at the banquet danced together in the local government office space. This was because dancing was recognized as something wonderful that only a peaceful time allowed. In the Joseon Dynasty, the government office space was the place where people could enjoy dancing.

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Joseon Dynasty Read through Paintings III

그림으로 읽는 조선시대의 춤 문화Ⅲ : 사적공간의 춤 그림

Cho, Kyunga 조경아

DOI:https://doi.org/10.26861/sddh.2021.62.125

Asian Dance Journal
Vol.62 pp.125-152

Abstract
Joseon Dynasty Read through Paintings III ×


The purpose of this article is to investigate the dance practiced in private spaces during the Joseon dynasty by analyzing paintings and literature. This study is the third part of a series of research exploring paintings depicting dances in various performance venues in the Joseon dynasty. While the first two researches were about dances performed in royal palaces and in public places respectively, this article analyzes paintings and literature of dances in private spaces in the following three ways.



First, dances performed in the personal social gatherings were divided into three types according to the subject: dances performed at social gatherings for the elderly, reunions of officials who passed the national civil service examination in the same year, and social gatherings for the middle class. These dances were performed to strengthen the community spirit or to appreciate the performances of professional young male dancers called mudong.



Second, dances performed to celebrate the longevity of parents on their birthdays are analyzed. In such events, the mother was considered the most important character as well as audience, and the concept of “filial piety” was emphasized in the “Son’s Dance.”



Finally, dances conducted in private folk venues are examined. Some of these paintings portray a son who dances as a “performer” to celebrate his parents’ diamond wedding anniversary. Other paintings depict a clown dancing in a three-day parade where a person who passed the national civil service examination visits his examiners, high-ranking senior officials, and his relatives.


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