A Study on the Armillary Spheres of the Confucianists in Joseon Dynasty

Abstract

Armillary sphere, generally known as, not only astronomical instrument for observing astronomical phenomena but also symbolizes the royal authority and royal political ideology which is based on Confucianism. Among the well-reputed Confucian scholars were built their own armillary spheres. However, these armillary spheres which exist are damaged and most of parts of its have been lost. We analyzed and measured the remnants of armillary spheres which were made by Toegye Lee Hwang, Uam Song Si-Yeol and Goedam Bae Sang-Yeol who were well-reputed Confucian scholars in Joseon Dynasty, and have been executed the restorations of Toegye Lee Hwang and Song Si-Yeols armillary sphere based on the drawings which were drawn as the original form by analysis and measurement of its remnants.

Keywords

• armillary sphere
• restoration
• Confucian scholar (Toegye; Uam; Goedam)