Northeast Asian History Network

Southern Wall of the Antechamber (Eastern Section) - Detailed View of the Civil Servants

This is a detailed view of the civil servants carrying banners depicted on the eastern section of the southern antechamber wall. These figures can be seen wearing civil servant Chaeks (headwear with top split in the back and curving forward). Notably, these Chaeks feature prominent red accents at the front, diverging from the usual all-black Chaeks. They are wearing long, red Durumagis (traditional Korean overcoat) with bands around their waists. As the necklines, sleeves, and hemlines of Durumagis are prone to wear, these robes were reinforced with fabric of differing color in each of these areas, thereby enhancing practicality and decoration. This distinctive feature on garments is known as a Seon. Seons are accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane’s neck or wingtips, considered to be an influence of Siberian shamanism. Bold red lines throughout the garment emphasize the Durumagis' sense of volume, resulting in a three-dimensional effect. Although the facial features of the figures are all relatively similar, the artist clearly made an effort to distinguish each civil servant by utilizing varying head shapes. These depictions provide viewers with a glimpse of the artist's skill in portraiture.