'International law is not as powerful as cannons.' An Jung-geun expressed his skepticism about the reality where the logic of power prevails over international law in these eight characters after being sentenced to death in Lushun Prison, China, in February 1910.
On August 13, two days before Liberation Day, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Foundation for Cultural Heritage Abroad unveiled An Jung-geun's calligraphy, 'International law is not as powerful as cannons,' for the first time at the Jungmyeongjeon Hall in Deoksugung, Seoul. This calligraphy, created in 1910, measures 196.8 cm in height and 44.8 cm in width.
'International law is not as powerful as cannons' is a phrase derived from the 19th-century Japanese thinker Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835–1901). It criticizes the reality of the time when imperial powers advocated international law while the actual international order operated according to the logic of military power.
An Jung-geun valued peace and international order in the East based on international law. After he shot Ito Hirobumi at Harbin Station in China on October 26, 1909, he insisted that he had acted in a just war as a general of the Korean army and demanded a trial based on international law.
However, Japan did not accept this. An Jung-geun was charged with simple murder and sentenced to death. The phrase 'International law is not as powerful as cannons' reflects this awareness of reality.
The calligraphy is confirmed to have been written just before An's death. His handprint, a symbol of his calligraphy, is clearly stamped on the lower left. Above it, he wrote, 'In the third month of the year of Gyeongsul, in Lushun Prison, Korean An Jung-geun writes.' This indicates that it was written just days before his execution on March 26, 1910.
The writing style combines regular script with semi-cursive and cursive styles, showcasing a powerful brushstroke as if written in one go. Notably, the character '萬' (man) is written in cursive, a characteristic also seen in the 'Golden Hundred Thousand Yangs is not as good as one teacher' held by the National Museum of Korean History, indicating An Jung-geun's unique writing style.
Experts have determined the authenticity of the calligraphy based on similarities in brushwork, character composition, and speed of writing compared to An's other works, as well as matching handprints.
The inscription on the back of the calligraphy shows the original owner's identity and the transmission path. It records the events leading to An Jung-geun's actions in Harbin in 1910 and his execution, as well as the reasons for preserving the calligraphy.
The original owner was Kurihara Sadakichi (栗原貞吉; ?–1941), the warden of Lushun Prison at the time. Kurihara is known to have shown humane consideration while An was imprisoned. Later, an individual who identified himself as 'Pyeongmun Gwangsa' took over the calligraphy for preservation.
The existence of the calligraphy was first confirmed in May of last year when the overseas foundation obtained information through local networks. Following administrative support from the Cultural Heritage Administration and thorough investigation and negotiation by the overseas foundation, it was successfully brought back to Korea in November of the same year. The return was supported by the lottery fund.
Heo Min, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, stated, 'It is significant to unveil this precious cultural heritage that vividly shows An Jung-geun's passion for independence and peace just before Liberation Day. I hope this unveiling serves as an opportunity to reflect on the aspirations and dedication of our ancestors for liberation and to inspire national pride among the people.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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