• Koguryo and Balhae
  • Susahn-ri Tomb
Northern Wall of the Main Chamber - Maid 1
TitleNorthern Wall of the Main Chamber - Maid 1
Northern Wall of the Main Chamber - Maid 1
zoom

This is a detailed view of the maids depicted on the northern wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. The two maids are standing in a Gongsu stance (left hand placed above the right in a gesture of respect or submission), tending to the noblewoman. Other than the color of their Jeogoris (traditional Korean upper garment), the maids are nearly identical in appearance.
The basic attire for women during the Koguryo era consisted of a Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment) and skirt or pants. Not all women of the time wore skirts as some maids that required a certain amount of mobility wore pants instead. Koguryo-era skirts were creased and featured Seons (accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane's neck or wingtips, influenced by Siberian shamanism) at the hemline. They were similar in appearance to modern-day pleated skirts. Although all Koguryo women wore skirts regardless of class, the differences in status can be verified through the different fabrics, patterns, and colors depicted in murals. Skirts from the period were relatively varied with hemlines that reached the shins, ankles, or feet.
The Jeogoris and creased skirts seen in the image were typical attire for Koguryo women of the time. The necklines, sleeves, and trims of the Jeogoris feature Seons, and the skirts completely cover the feet. Seons were a common feature in garments worn by northern nomadic tribes. In addition to the decorative effect, the Seon also has a practical purpose of preventing wear. As the necklines, sleeves, and hemlines of garments are prone to wear, these robes were reinforced with different color fabric in each of these areas, thereby enhancing practicality and decoration.
The front panels of Jeogoris (traditional Korean upper garment) were worn left to the right in a style known as U-im (Korean style for wearing traditional Hanbok; literally "panel right"). Although the opposite Jwa-im (literally "panel left") style was traditionally worn in Koguryo, both styles gained wide acceptance after U-im was introduced in the region by the Han Chinese. The plump face, flowing attire, and balanced proportions provide viewers with a glimpse of high-level Koguryo artistry.
The women have their hair tied up in buns indicating that they are married. This depiction provides viewers with a glimpse of the type of dress and hairstyles worn by women of Koguryo.

페이지 상단으로 이동하기