Northeast Asian History Network

Flying Fish on the ceiling of the antechamber (eastern wall)

This is a detailed view of the Flying Fish on the ceiling of the antechamber (eastern wall) in Tokhung-ri Tomb. Eighteen auspicious animals are depicted on the ceiling of the antechamber in Tokhung-ri Tomb. The Flying Fish, Cheongyang, Yang-guang, and an unidentified auspicious animal appear on the eastern wall.
The Flying Fish appears in Shanhaijing or the Classics of Mountains and Seas as a fish with wings and legs. Legends claim that eating a Flying Fish can cure diseases and eliminate anxiety. As an auspicious animal, good harvest can be expected in years in which a Flying Fish appears. Although the Flying Fish in the image primarily has the appearance of a fish, its wings indicate that it is indeed an auspicious animal living in the immortal world. The Flying Fish in the image matches the approximate descriptions in historical records. Depictions of the Flying Fish also appear in Anak Tomb No. 1 and the Great Tomb of Gangseo. Interestingly, they all appear within the Pyongyang region.