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COMPARISON OF THE TIME-SIGNAL SYSTEM OF AUTOMATIC WATER CLOCKS DURING THE YUAN DYNASTY AND THE KING SEJONG ERA OF THE JOSEON DYNASTY

원대(元代)와 세종대(世宗代) 자동 물시계 시보시스템 비교

  • YONG-HYUN YUN (National Science Museum) ;
  • SANG HYUK KIM (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • BYEONG-HEE MIHN (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • BYONG GUEN LEEM (Jeon Heung Total Art Company)
  • 윤용현 (국립중앙과학관) ;
  • 김상혁 (한국천문연구원) ;
  • 민병희 (한국천문연구원) ;
  • 임병근 ((주)전흥)
  • Received : 2023.09.12
  • Accepted : 2024.01.10
  • Published : 2024.04.30
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Abstract

In this study, we investigated the time signal devices of Deungnu (circa 1270) and Gungnu (1354), the water clocks produced during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). These clocks influenced Heumgyeonggaknu (1438) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), exemplifying the automatic water clocks of the Yuan Dynasty. Deungnu, Gungnu, and Heumgyeonggaknu can be considered as automatic mechanical clocks capable of performances. The Jega-Yeoksang-Jip (Collection of Calendrical and Astronomical Theories of Various Chinese Masters) contains records of Deungnu extracted from the History of the Yuan Dynasty. We interpreted these records and analyzed reproduction models and technical data previously produced in China. The time signal device of Deungnu featured a four-story structure, with the top floor displaying the four divine constellations, the third floor showcasing models of these divinities, the second floor holding 12-h jacks and a 100-Mark ring, and the first floor with four musicians and a 100-Mark Time-Signal Puppet providing a variety of visual attractions. We developed a 3D model of Deungnu, proposing two possible mechanical devices to ensure that the Time-Signal Puppet simultaneously pointed to the 100-Mark graduations in the east, west, south, and north windows: one model reduced the rotation ratio of the 100-Mark ring to 1/4, whereas the other model maintained the rotation ratio using four separate 100-Mark rings. The power system of Deungnu was influenced by Suunuisangdae (the water-driven astronomical clock tower) of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127); this method was also applied to Heumgyeonggaknu in the Joseon Dynasty. In conclusion, these automatic water clocks of East Asia from the 13th to 15th centuries symbolized creativity and excellence, representing scientific devices that were the epitome of clock-making technology in their times.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 연구는 2022년 국립중앙과학관 기본연구과제 "조선 전기 자동 물시계의 주전(籌箭) 전시품 개발 연구(연구책임자 윤용현)"와, 2023년 국립중앙과학관 기본연구과제 "조선시대 원구형 해시계 체험 전시품 개발 연구(연구책임자 윤용현)"의 지원으로 수행되었습니다. 또한 이 논문은 2023년 및 2024년 정부(과학기술정보통신부) 재원으로 한국천문연구원의 '고천문 자산의 과학적 활용과 동북아 협력 연구' 사업의 지원을 받아 수행되었습니다.

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