Northeast Asian History Network

Northern Wall of the Main Chamber - Primary Joist

This is a detailed view of the primary joist depicted on the northern wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. The joist is an architectural element used in the construction of wooden buildings, and tombs often depicted joists to convey the sense of being in an actual house.
Oddly-shaped cloud patterns resembling plant vines are depicted on the joist surface seen on the secondary joist. Cloud patterns symbolize auspiciousness or the heavenly world and thus, these patterns on the timber framework indicate that the chamber space belongs in the afterlife of the entombed despite resembling real-world wooden structures. The oddly-shaped cloud patterns on the primary joist are rendered in a combination of yellow, white, and black and convey the appearance of being painted on a clean marble surface.
Generally, only ancient wooden structures such as Buddhist temples or the royal palace featured vibrant multi-colored decorations (Dancheong) seen on traditional Korean wooden buildings. These patterns on the columns and joists of Koguryo mural tombs are considered by some to be the inception of such decorations in Korea.