• Atmosphere
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.455-469
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• 2011

The Chugudae is a pedestal for the Chugugi. While many Chugudae were made during the Joseon Dynasty period, seven remained in existence until the early 20th century. Only five of them remain to this day-Gwansanggam (Royal Office of Astronomy and Meteorology), the Seonhwadang in Daegu, the Changdeok Palace, Tongyeong, and Yeongyeongdang. The Changdeok Palace Chugudae is the only existing model made not only as a meteorological instrument but also as a memorial statue. It has been a challenge to decipher 41 of the 368 characters in 'Chugugi-myeong (The title of the inscriptions on the Changdeok Palace Chugudae)' as these had been eroded. However, the interpretation of the full text of 'Chugugi-myeong' became possible thanks to the "Cheoljae Jinjeok (澈齋眞蹟)" which was discovered through this study. The key sentences of the 'Chugugi-myeong' include the reason for creation, the size and functions of the Chugugi and a eulogy to the reigns of King Sejong, Youngjo and Jeongjo. Moreover, its splendid design is worthy of further study. To conclude its true meaning and value, the Changdeok Palace Chugudae requires a more extensive investigation from the viewpoint of an art history.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.244-257
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• 2020

State-designated rain gauge pedestals, including a rain gauge support, were installed in front of the "Imunwon" at Changdeok Palace, made from various rock types. Some of those pedestals provide exact information on their production dates. These rain gauge pedestals are highly valuable as scientific instruments; however, there has been insufficient scientific research carried out on them. Therefore, precise analysis and conservative consideration are required. As a result of petrographic character analysis, the Changdeokgung rain gauge pedestal has been classified as marble. Furthermore, comparison of the results of P-XRF analysis with GSJ reference samples (JLs-1, JDo-1) has determined it to be dolomitic marble. Applying the same analysis to other state-designated rain gauge pedestals, it was presumed that the rain gauge supports at Gyeongsand-do Provincial Office and Gwansanggam were each made from aplite, pinkish medium-to-coarse biotite granite. Results confirmed that only the Changdeokgung rain gauge pedestal was made from marble. Marble is viewed as having an identity specificity rooted in a certain historical background. According to the tendency towards stone figures being made from marble, especially dolomitic marble, it is necessary to further studies whether particular rocks were used to make royal stone figures in Joseon Dynasty.