Northeast Asian History Network

Northern Columns of the Antechamber - Lotus on Capital 2

This is a detailed view of one of the lotuses depicted on the capital of the second westernmost column in the antechamber. Although a black lotus fills the face of the capital, there are no traces of other elements on the very top surface of the capital or the column itself. This depiction is in stark contrast to the lotus on the westernmost column capital. The very top of the capital does not feature stamens, and the green sepals and stem are nowhere to be found. The actual shape of the lotus is similar to the depiction on the westernmost column capital, but the flower was rendered in black rather than red. (See “Northern Columns of the Antechamber - Lotus on Capital 1” )
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.