- Koguryo and Balhae
- Tokhung-ri Tomb
Koguryo and Balhae
| Title | Hajo | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Hajo on the ceiling of the antechamber (northern wall)
This is a detailed view of Bakui on the ceiling of the antechamber (northern wall) in Tokhung-ri Tomb. Eighteen auspicious animals are depicted on the ceiling of the antechamber in Tokhung-ri Tomb. The Heavenly Horse, Jichuk, Cheonjak, Byeokdok, Bakui, Hajo, Yeongyang, Huewon, and an unidentified auspicious animal appear on the northern wall.
Hajo (literally “ceremonial bird”) is a bird with the head of a human. The inscription next to Hajo reads "Hajo, Unsuccessful Scholar, Bearing Medicine." Hajo can be seen with a gallipot (medicine jar) on its back, indicating that the auspicious animal was perhaps regarded by ancient people to be able to treat diseases. Amusingly, the inscription describes Hajo as having failed in his attempts to achieve enlightenment.