Northeast Asian History Network

Northern Columns of the Antechamber - Lotus on Capital 1

This is a detailed view of one of the lotuses depicted on the capital of the westernmost column in the antechamber. The red lotus fills the entire face of the capital, and the green sepals and stem flow down naturally onto the column. Green stamen peak out from the red flower petals in this elegant rendering of a lotus. The Y-shaped petal in the center of the flower can also be seen on the pavilions depicted in the portraits of the deceased in the western auxiliary chamber.
The lotus is a flower that grows beautifully from the mud of a pond and symbolizes purification and rebirth in Buddhism. Although numerous lotus depictions appear in the murals of Anak Tomb No. 3, it's difficult to conclusively determine whether they have Buddhist implications or were used simply for decorative purposes. Buddhism was officially recognized in Koguryo in the 2nd year of King Sosurim (372 CE), and Anak Tomb No. 3 was constructed 15 years prior in 357 CE. Thus, the lotus imagery in Anak Tomb No. 3 may have no relation to the Buddhist beliefs of the entombed. However, Buddhism was relatively widespread in Koguryo according to historical records of the era, and it’s possible that the lotus may also have deeper religious connotations.