Text Conferring the Posthumous Title of King Injong

Goryeo · 1F · Medieval and Early Modern History · Goryeo 1

This is an inscribed book (sichaek) bearing the posthumous title and lifetime achievements of King Injong (r. 1122-1146), the 17th ruler of Goryeo, said to have come from his tomb. It is composed in the voice of his son King Uijong, recounting the father's deeds and character, such as suppressing Myocheong's rebellion and performing rites at the Wongu altar, before recording his posthumous and temple names at the end. It consists of 41 tablets bearing the text and two wider tablets carved with celestial figures, of which four are broken and partly lost. Holes at the top and bottom of each side once held cords, perhaps of gold thread, to bind them, though the cords no longer survive; originally the characters and patterns were likely gilded and partly painted with cinnabar, making it quite splendid.

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

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