Northeast Asian History Network

Joist on the northern wall of the antechamber

This is a detailed view of the joist (symbolizing the boundary between heaven and earth) on the northern wall of the antechamber in Tokhung-ri Tomb. The joist is an architectural element used in the construction of wooden buildings, and tombs often depicted joists to convey the sense of being in an actual house.
Oddly-shaped cloud patterns resembling plant vines are decorated on the joist. The joist decoration on the northern wall features undulating oddly-shaped cloud patterns in orange. The shape and configuration is different from the pattern on the eastern wall depicted in thin, black ink lines on a brown background. The decorative joist on the northern wall is similar to the joist painted on the southern wall. This configuration demonstrates the tomb's methodical symmetry. The patterns resemble vines more so than oddly-shaped cloud patterns. Although certain decorations reflect elements from real-life houses, the cloud patterns imply that the tomb belongs to the spiritual world and is a space for the deceased and not the living.
Generally, only ancient wooden structures such as Buddhist temples or the royal palace featured vibrant colors. These patterns decorated on the columns and joists in the tomb can be viewed as the beginning of Korea's use of diverse colors.