Assassin’s Calligraphy Crafted While Awaiting Execution Sets Auction Records in South Korea
A Glimpse into Ahn’s Calligraphy Legacy
More than a hundred years after his death, the calligraphy created by Ahn Jung-geun during his imprisonment is causing quite a stir in Seoul’s vibrant art world. It’s fascinating how time can lend a different perspective to things that seemed ordinary back then. Ahn, imprisoned in China for about 40 days before his execution, spent his final days penning an autobiography and producing calligraphy. These works were requested by none other than Japanese officials.
In his writings, Ahn mentioned, “The court and prison officials, saying they wanted to keep my calligraphy as a memento, brought me hundreds of sheets of silk and paper and asked me to create for them.” He added that he spent several hours each day practicing calligraphy, even though he didn’t consider himself particularly skilled.
Surprising Emergence in the Art Market
Now, these pieces are gaining traction in the private art market. Recently, one such work was auctioned in Seoul for 940 million won (about $674,098), which was more than three times its opening bid. I suppose it’s not every day you see history come to life like that. An auction participant noted, “It wasn’t even mounted and was still rolled up, but when we opened the case, the scent of ink still lingered in the air.”
It’s interesting to see how Ahn’s calligraphy is now celebrated despite Japan labeling him a criminal and terrorist. His remains were never returned by Japan and have yet to be found. The tensions between these nations are nothing new-moves to honor Ahn by Seoul and Beijing have ruffled feathers with Tokyo before, leading to diplomatic issues back in 2013.
In fact, in 2014, Japan voiced discontent over a memorial built in China honoring Ahn. BBC News reported that a Japanese official referred to him as a terrorist after the memorial hall opened in Harbin, where Ito Hirobumi was assassinated.
Cultural Resonance and Political Tensions
Ahn’s calligraphy often centered on themes of peace and ethics. “Even though he opposed them politically,” someone once remarked about his works, “they resonated culturally.” His art reflected a period when Japan’s imperial identity faced challenges-offering a glimpse into tensions between moral courage and colonial ambitions.
Adding another layer to this tale is a Catholic priest who baptized Ahn and remained his friend until the end. The priest was disciplined for visiting Ahn during imprisonment-a trip that eventually forced him back to France. Yet, he remained steadfast in his faith: “The gracious lord will never abandon you,” he assured Ahn. “He will surely take you in, so rest your heart and go in peace.”
The intertwining of history, politics, and art makes Ahn’s story captivating-not just as an artifact of a bygone era but as an enduring legacy that continues to echo through time. There’s something poignant about how ordinary actions from one man’s life could ripple across generations… isn’t there?
