Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Western Auxiliary Chamber - Portrait of the Deceased - Jeol

This is a detailed view of the three-tier Jeol (ceremonial flag featuring pompons) depicted in the portrait of the deceased in the western auxiliary chamber of Anak Tomb No. 3. The Jeol features three red, semicircular pompons and is located to the right of the pavilion. The Jeol was a decorative flag used to indicate high status, and both single and three-tier variants appear in Anak Tomb No. 3. Single-tier Jeols can be seen in the honor guard procession on the eastern section of the southern antechamber wall and in the procession on the eastern gallery wall. The three-tier Jeol appears in the procession on the eastern gallery wall as well as this portrait of the deceased. As the three-tier Jeol appears close by the nobleman, it's surmised to be of particular significance. The three-tier Jeol is very similar in appearance to the Jeongjeol used during Joseon-era royal processions.
This Jeol seen in the portrait of the deceased is often recited as evidence that Anak Tomb No. 3 was in fact a Koguryo-era royal tomb. The argument is that the three-tier Jeol was a decorative flag held only by Koguryo royalty, and thus Anak Tomb No. 3 was naturally a royal tomb. In ancient China, however, Jeols were prestigious gifts awarded by the king or emperor. Hence, Dong-su theorists interpret the three-tier Jeol as a gift received from the King of Koguryo. As the King of Koguryo was only in a position to award Jeols, the entombed figure in Anak Tomb No. 3 could not be the king himself.