Northeast Asian History Network

Northern Wall of the Main Chamber - Corner Column 1

This is a detailed view of the column depicted in the northwestern 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.