‘Jeongjae’ is the hanging wooden plaque of the residence built by Ryu Chimyeong (1777-1861, pen name Jeongjae) in Sugok-ri, Imdong-myeon, Andong. Due to the construction of Imha Dam, the whole residence was relocated to the current site. In his “Upon Naming the Places in My House,” Ryu Chimyeong explained the meaning of ‘Jeong’: “With everything resting in its own place, the world remains stable. Resting in ‘perseverance’ and ‘respect,’ the relation between the ruler and the ruled remains stable. Resting in ‘benevolence’ and ‘filial piety,’ the relation between father and son remains stable. Resting in ‘trust,’ the relation between friends remains stable. This is because Holy Saints set everything to move in consistency. According to Zisi, ‘A superior man acts from the place he is seated and wants nothing else.’ To be seated in his place is to stay; and staying with nothing else to be desired makes him calm and stable. Therefore ‘a superior man waits for Heaven’s will, behaving in his ordinary way,’ that is referred to ’Jeong’ (the state of being determined). Thereby I name my study ‘Jeongjae.’ Determination leads a man to stop and stay. As in staying the reason lies, ‘a superior man is engaged in self-reflection.’ Thereby I name my room ‘Banguam’ (Hermitage of Self-reflection).” The calligraphy letters were written in the square style by Kim Heungrak’s father, Kim Jinhwa (1793-1850, pen name Tanwa) in January 1850.
Although moderate in size, this hanging wooden plaque contains calligraphy with grand dignity. The strokes are thick, yet sinewy and spare in flesh. The joints of strokes are handled more deliberately so that each brushwork is clearly articulated. Two characters complement each other with variant shapes of top dots as well as the compositional contrast between the loosely organized ‘定’ and more densely organized ‘齋.’ The brush tip is concealed, yet its vivid motions underlie invigorating spirits of dignified strokes.