• Koguryo and Balhae
  • Susahn-ri Tomb
Eastern Wall of the Main Chamber - Kneeling Figure
TitleEastern Wall of the Main Chamber - Kneeling Figure
Eastern Wall of the Main Chamber - Kneeling Figure
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This is a detailed view of the kneeling figure depicted on the eastern wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. Fortunately, this figure is in an extremely well-preserved condition. Upon closer examination of the painting techniques, this figure was ostensibly completed by first creating rough sketches in red, then applying color, and finally drawing black ink outlines to finish the image.
He is wearing a military attaché Chaek (Headwear worn by civil servants and military attachés. Civil servants wore Chaeks with tops that were split in the back and curving forward.), a long yellow Durumagi (traditional Korean overcoat) that hangs down past his feet. He can be seen kneeling on both knees with his arms stretched out in a Gongsu posture (left hand placed above the right in a gesture of respect or submission) courteously greeting the two guests to his right. Although this person is a military attaché, a distinct lack of a Peseul (a front flap on court or ceremonial attire; literally "knee cover") clearly suggests that he is of low rank.
Excluding the bottom hemline, the neckline and sleeves of this figure's Durumagi feature Seons (accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane’s neck or wingtips, influenced by Siberian shamanism) in black. 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. Aesthetically, treating the necklines, sleeves, and hemlines in different colors highlighted the brilliance of the clothing, while reinforcing these areas with different fabrics enhanced the practicality and durability.
The front panels of Jeogoris (traditional Korean upper garment) were worn left to 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 net black outlines, flowing attire, and natural posture provide viewers with a glimpse of high-level Koguryo artistry.

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