• Koguryo and Balhae
  • Great Tomb of Gangseo
The Fourth Stone Prop of the Northern Wall (Side – Detailed view of the Flying Fish)
TitleThe Fourth Stone Prop of the Northern Wall (Side – Detailed view of the Flying Fish)
The Fourth Stone Prop of the Northern Wall (Side – Detailed view of the Flying Fish)
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This is a detailed view of the Flying Fish depicted on the side of the fourth stone prop of the northern wall. The Flying Fish appears in Shanhaijing or The Classics of Mountains and Seas as a fish with wings and legs. Legends claim that eating a Flying Fish can cure diseases and eliminate anxiety. As an auspicious animal, good harvest can be expected in years in which a Flying Fish appears.
The Flying Fish in the image features wings and legs to perfectly match the descriptions in written records. Its wings and legs are very similar in appearance to the Fenghuang. The tail fin is rendered with beautiful red curves resembling palmette leaves. A lotus branch palmette, symbolizing flowers of the immortal world, is depicted in the mouth of the Flying Fish. Similar Flying Fish can also be seen in early tomb murals of Tokhung-ri Tomb. In contrast to the Flying Fish depicted in the Great Tomb of Gangseo, the Flying Fish in Tokhung-ri Tomb feature coarse line work and simple tones. Therefore, the advancements in artistry from early to late Koguryo eras can be readily distinguished. Cardinal-colored clouds and lotus & palmettes blowing in the wind surround the Flying Fish.
The beautiful colors, fine strokes, and imaginative representation of the subject matter fully engages and transports the viewer to the immortal world.

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