Jeongnija Type

Joseon · 1F · Medieval and Early Modern History · Joseon 3

The Jeongni type is a set of metal movable type cast in 1795 to print the Jeongni uigwe tongpyeon. Modeled on the printing style of the Qing-dynasty Kangxi Dictionary, it was easy to read, and its more regular shape and uniform height made it easier to print with than earlier type. After the Jujaso foundry where the type was stored burned down in 1857, it was recast the following year, and most of the surviving pieces are from this second casting. The back of each piece is hollowed like the back of a bow—a feature of late Joseon type designed to save bronze while keeping the type from shifting once adhesive filled the cavity.

See it in person at the National Museum of Korea — 1F · Medieval and Early Modern History · Joseon 3

Source: based on official e-museum records (National Museum of Korea).