• Koguryo and Balhae
  • Susahn-ri Tomb
Southern Wall of the Main Chamber - Corner Column 2
TitleSouthern Wall of the Main Chamber - Corner Column 2
Southern Wall of the Main Chamber - Corner Column 2
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This is a detailed view of the column depicted in the southwestern corner of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. The main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb features joist-supporting columns in each of the four corners to mimic the atmosphere of a real wooden structure. This practice is representative of the ancient Koguryo people’s perception of the afterlife and immortality. Specifically, people of the Koguryo era believed that although the body may die, the soul would live forever. This belief led to the practice of constructing tombs to resemble houses. The tomb, in which the soul inhabits, would often contain depictions of columns, braces, supports, and other architectural elements mimicking real-life houses.
A brace on the column is supporting the primary joist. A smaller column sits on top of the brace, and the same configuration is repeated for the secondary joist to create a double-ceiling structure. This unique and luxurious column with a lotus capital features an entasis (bulge in the middle of a column that tapers off toward the end in a cigar shape) near the middle unlike the more common cylindrical columns. In addition, the oddly-shaped cloud and triangular geometric patterns rendered in black ink add to the splendor of the decor.
The wooden framework depicted in Susahn-ri Tomb is far more ornate and meticulous than those in other mural tombs. Unlike the simple arrangement of oddly-shaped cloud pattern decorations seen on depictions of wooden frameworks in other tomb murals, this framework features diverse triangular and rectangular geometric shapes in addition to the oddly-shaped cloud patterns. In addition, the oddly-shaped cloud patterns on the large and medium-sized joists are varied to avoid monotony. These pattern variations can also be seen on the braces supporting the large and medium-sized joists. The oddly-shaped cloud patterns on the primary joist are mirrored on the brace supporting the secondary joist, and the patterns on the secondary joist are mirrored on the brace supporting the primary joist in an alternating arrangement.

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