Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Main Chamber - Juggler

This is a detailed view of the juggler depicted on the western wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. The figure in the image is leaning back and looking up while juggling five small balls and three short rods. Juggling requires great skill and coordination to throw and manipulate multiple objects in the air.
The juggler is wearing a black Geon (a type of ancient headwear that wraps around the entire head and tied in the back, similar to a bandanna) around his head. His attire is identical to the stiltwalker depicted above. His Jeogori features Seons (accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane’s neck or wingtips, influenced by Siberian shamanism) on the neckline, sleeves, and bottom hemline. Seons were essential elements of Koguryo-era attire applied to all upper garments such as the Jeogori regardless of gender, age, or social status. He is wearing form-fitting trousers known as Gung-go, usually worn by lower-class men. His trousers are securely tied below the knees to prevent any loose fabric from interfering with the performance.
Similar to the stiltwalker, the front panel of this juggler’s Jeogori is worn right to left in a style known as Jwa-im (Korean style for wearing traditional Hanbok; literally "panel right"), unlike the opposite U-im style worn by the nobles and servants in the procession. The Jwa-im (literally "panel left") style was traditionally worn in Koguryo, but U-im gained wide acceptance after it was introduced in the region by the Han Chinese. Both styles gained wide acceptance in Koguryo after U-im was introduced in the region by the Han Chinese.
The juggler's look of concentration, leaning stance, and dynamic movement of the arms were all well-realized by the artist. This image is a valuable resource that shows the deep roots of juggling as an ancient Koguryo-era traditional culture that is still enjoyed in the modern age.