• Koguryo and Balhae
  • Tokhung-ri Tomb
Oddly-shaped Cloud Patterns
TitleOddly-shaped Cloud Patterns
Oddly-shaped cloud patterns on the ceiling of the antechamber (southern wall)
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This is a detailed view of the oddly-shaped cloud patterns on the joist, a symbolic boundary between heaven and earth, in the antechamber (southern wall) of Tokhung-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 decorated on the joist. Although certain decorations reflect elements from real-life houses, the cloud patterns imply that the tomb belongs to the spiritual world and is a space for the deceased and not the living.
Generally, only ancient wooden structures such as Buddhist temples or the royal palace featured vibrant colors. These patterns decorated on the columns and joists in the tomb can be viewed as the beginning of Korea's use of diverse colors.

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