Exceptional Cases in the Personal Names Inscribed on the Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and Their Implications

Research on the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks reveals exceptional cases of personal names inscribed, challenging conventional assumptions about their origins. The study identifies non-carver contributors, such as '朴才', who engaged in calligraphic activities rather than carving, and unusual patterns like ABBCC and dual-name-per-block (一經板二人名). These findings suggest a more complex workflow in woodblock creation, potentially explaining variations in script and style. The research also introduces key concepts like '목판인' (woodblock person) and '일경판일각수' (one-carver-per-block principle), providing new insights into the historical and technical aspects of this UNESCO-listed Korean treasure.

Shin, H. (2025). Exceptional Cases in the Personal Names Inscribed on the Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and Their Implications. Wooden Documents and Inscriptions Studies, 35, 171–190. https://doi.org/10.35302/wdis.2025.12.35.171