Northeast Asian History Network

Southern Wall of the Western Auxiliary Chamber - Portrait of the Deceased (Detailed)

This is a detailed view of the noblewoman on the southern wall of the western auxiliary chamber in Anak Tomb No. 3. The Lady’s elegant hairstyle and multiple layers of beautifully-embroidered silk clothing fully convey the high standard of living she once had in her lifetime. The most prominent feature of the noblewoman's hairstyle is the emphasis of height that exudes a sense of majesty. The red objects in her hair appear to be hairpins used to secure the topknot of her looped hair. The topknot, held together with a red strap, is flanked by two semicircular loops, and two locks of hair hang freely from her head. The noblewoman is adorned with elegant decorations, resembling the veins of a leaf, that hang from her hair down to her jaw line.
The most prominent part of the image is clearly the Lady's flamboyant attire. The colorfully embroidered Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment) and laced skirt are absolutely astonishing. The pattern on the Jeogori is indicative of the high level of silk weaving in the Koguryo era. The silk features a diverse range of colors including red, green, white, and yellow. The complex decorative patterns also indicate the high level of embroidery at the time. The attire is brilliantly accentuated with ribbons and creased lace trimmings. There isn't a single area in this highly accurate representation that doesn't convey the artist's attention to detail.
This voluptuous depiction of the noblewoman is interpreted to be a reflection of the Earth Mother religious belief that was prevalent in ancient times. The artist's abilities and passion for artwork that may have never been seen by anyone is truly admirable.