Northeast Asian History Network

Figure in the carriage in the procession on the eastern wall of the antechamber 02

This is a detailed view of the ox carriage carrying Youzhou Provincial Governor Jin in the procession on the eastern wall of the antechamber in Tokhung-ri Tomb. The carriage features curtains, and its sunshade (used by nobles in ancient times for sun protection, similar to a modern-day parasol) is elegantly decorated with tassels. The passenger inside the carriage is Provincial Governor Jin, and only his face is exposed with the rest of his body covered by the carriage. Although the type and shape of Jin's official hat is unclear due to deterioration, it's likely to be the same Cheong-ragwan (literally ‘blue silk hat’) depicted in the portrait on the northern wall of the antechamber. A Ragwan was a type of hat worn only by the highest-ranking officials. A Royal Attendant wore a Cheong-Ragwan, and a King wore a Baek-ragwan, or ‘white silk hat.’ An inscription in front of the carriage reads "Provincial Governor's Travels," indicating the nature of the procession.
Provincial Governor Jin's carriage is far more luxurious than the courier's carriage directly in front. The sides of the carriage are elegantly curved rather than being in a straight line. Bird-like decorations adorn the four corners that are bent outwards similar to the ends of a bow. Notably, a black ox is pulling the carriage instead of a horse. As a black ox was very rare, its presence is an indication of Jin's status and wealth. In the front, two valets are holding the reins and driving the ox, while swordsmen are escorting the carriage in the back.