Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Main Chamber - Concubine 2

This is a detailed view of the second concubine depicted on the western wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. She appears to be younger than the first concubine in the procession. Similar to the other two ladies, this concubine is wearing red blush on her forehead and cheeks and has elegant raised hair, conveying a sense of poise. She is depicted to be slightly smaller than the noble couple and their son as a subtle expression of the differences in social status. In other words, this woman is of lower status than the three preceding nobility. However, she is similar in size and overall appearance to the first concubine, indicating that this woman is very unlikely to be a maid, but rather the nobleman's third wife. Koguryo was a polygamist society at the time of this mural's creation, and thus, men were able to have multiple wives. Similar scenes have been depicted in other Koguryo tomb murals, thereby giving credence to such speculation.
The red Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment) features elegant embroidery, and the double Seons (accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane’s neck or wingtips, influenced by Siberian shamanism) on the neckline and sleeves enhance the luxurious appearance. Perhaps her youthful disposition was more inclined to wearing a vibrant red Jeogori. Her Jeogori is in stark contrast to the single-layer, solid-color Seons featured on Jeogoris worn by servants and commoners of the era. Once again, the skirt is quite different from that worn by the noblewoman. It’s a solid-color design, and the pleats are very narrow.
The front panels of Jeogoris (traditional Korean upper garment) were worn left to the right in a style known as U-im (Korean style for wearing traditional Hanbok; literally "panel right"). Although the opposite Jwa-im (literally "panel left") style was traditionally worn in Koguryo, both styles gained wide acceptance after U-im was introduced in the region by the Han Chinese. Sunshades, such as those covering the noble couple, are nowhere to be found.
Notably, this concubine’s hands are depicted not in a Gongsu pose (left hand placed above the right in a gesture of respect or submission) like the noblewoman and second wife, but rather seem to mimic Buddha's hands similar to the nobleman and his son. The balanced proportions, colorful embellishments, and flowing attire provide viewers with a glimpse of high-level Koguryo artistry. Just as with the noblewoman and second wife, this depiction can be considered as a valuable resource for understanding the extravagant and elegant outfits worn by Koguryo aristocracy.