Joseon Sundial 'Angbuilgu' Returns to Its Homeland

Purchased at a US auction last August... Exhibited at the National Palace Museum
Applied precise and delicate silver inlay technique in casting
"Almost no deviation even compared to modern visual systems"

Angbuilgu

The Joseon sundial 'Angbuilgu (仰釜日晷)' has returned to its homeland and will be exhibited.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 17th that it purchased the 'Angbuilgu,' which was listed at an auction in the United States, through the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation last August. It will be displayed at the Science and Culture Room of the National Palace Museum until the 20th of next month. An official stated, "It will be utilized in various fields such as research, exhibitions, and report publications alongside other scientific cultural assets like the Jagyeokru and Honcheonsigye."

'Angbuilgu' is Joseon's first public clock, created with the spirit of love for the people who look after their subjects. Its name means "a clock that tells time by the shadow of the sun cast on a cauldron-shaped dial looking up at the sky." It represents both the development of Joseon scientific culture and the ruler's love for the people. It was first made during King Sejong's reign and installed at Jongmyo Shrine and Hyejeonggyo Bridge (惠政橋, present-day Jongno 1-ga, Seoul) so that the people could read the time.

Angbuilgu

The 'Angbuilgu' repatriated this time is estimated to have been made in the 18th to 19th centuries. The Cultural Heritage Administration obtained information in January that it would be auctioned in the United States. After thorough investigation, review, and comparative analysis of its scientific functions, an agreement was reached to bring it into the country. Its size is 24.1 cm in diameter, 11.7 cm in height, and weighs approximately 4.5 kg. The casting technique is precise, and the delicate silver inlay technique applied indicates it was made by a highly skilled artisan.

An official explained, "Even compared to modern timekeeping systems, it has almost no error. It is a systematic and precise scientific instrument that can indicate solar terms (節候, the 24 climate standards dividing the year), directions, sunset times, and orientation." They added, "There are only seven 'Angbuilgu' of similar size and material in Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.