70% of Joseon Dynasty Book Covers Featured the 卍 Pattern... Even Found on Confucian Classics

Korean Studies Advancement Center Analyzes 1,200 Old Books

"Buddhist Symbolism Embraced as Decorative Motif"

Among ten book covers from the Joseon Dynasty, seven are engraved with the 卍 (man) character pattern. This motif is found not only on Confucian classics such as "Juyeok Cheongyeonrok" but also on medical texts like the "Donguibogam."

Ssangyong Neunghwapan Proof Copy.

In celebration of Buddha's Birthday, the Korean Studies Advancement Center released an analysis on May 19 of over 1,200 old books with Neunghwa-patterned covers. According to the findings, the 卍 character pattern accounted for more than 70% of all designs. It was a familiar and favored motif for book covers, surpassing the status of a temporary trend.

These covers were made by printing with woodblocks called Neunghwapan. The production process involved using yellow-dyed paper (hwangyeom), backing paper (baejeopji), and adhesive (gyomal). Beeswax was applied to make the patterns more vivid, adding gloss and moisture resistance. The use of amur cork tree and gardenia, which have insect-repellent and antimicrobial properties, enhanced the books' preservation. The Center evaluated this as "a combination of practicality and aesthetics."

The continued use of the 卍 character pattern on book covers is connected to the tradition of Buddhist scripture and sutra covers from the Goryeo Dynasty. It is presumed that techniques used to decorate Buddhist texts were later applied to general books as well.

Neunghwapan, Donation Materials from Jisan Jongtaek of Changnyeong Jo Clan

The 卍 character, pronounced 'svastika' in Sanskrit, is a symbol of good fortune in Buddhism and is also understood as the Buddhistic seal (Bulsim-in) signifying the Buddha's state of mind. Even in the Joseon Dynasty, where Confucianism was the state ideology, such Buddhist elements persisted in everyday culture and crafts. The Buddhist symbol gradually became accepted as a decorative motif representing auspiciousness and grandeur. Its geometric properties, which allow for easy repetition, led to its frequent use in book cover designs.

An official from the Center explained, "The Neunghwapan patterns reflect the values, aesthetics, and attitudes toward books of people at the time," adding, "The Neunghwapan featuring the 卍 character pattern is an example of the Buddhist symbolism that remains in our traditional culture and serves as material that illustrates the depth of book culture during the Joseon Dynasty."

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