Northeast Asian History Network

Southern Wall of the Western Auxiliary Chamber - Portrait of the Deceased - maid3

This is a detailed view of the maid carrying an incense burner on the southern wall of the western auxiliary chamber in Anak Tomb No. 3. She is the only maid depicted to the right of the noblewoman. Her hair is in stark contrast to all the other figures depicted in this mural. Rather than the topknot and double loops seen in other figures, this maid's hair is divided into two major top and side bundles with multiple loops in each section. A lock of hair can be seen hanging freely toward the back. Red straps secure the bundles of hair. This maid's hair decorations aren't nearly as extravagant as the other maids. However, her youthful appearance may be an indication that this unique hairstyle was popular with young maids at the time.
The maid is wearing a red Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment) and a white inner-Jeogori. The color of the outer Jeogori is different from the waistband down. The soft white cloth of the skirt appears to have been stitched together with the outer Jeogori. The shape of this maid's outer Jeogori is the clearest of all maids in the noblewoman's portrait. Her overall attire doesn't appear to be as fine as the other maids. She can be seen wearing red shoes underneath her finely-pleated skirt. The facial features do not convey a sense of individual personality, a common characteristic of ancient paintings.