About this objectTombs from the Goguryeo kingdom (高句麗, 37 BC – AD 668) that ruled the northern part of Korea and stretched into the steppe—what is now northeastern China—first start including murals from about the 4th century and continue to the kingdom's end. Deokheung-ri Tomb (德興里古墳,) dated to 408, is southwest of present-day Pyongyang.
An inscription in the tombs states that the deceased was named Jin (鎭) (his surname is obliterated), that he was a disciple of Buddha, held several high-level government posts—including a military post, died aged seventy-seven, and was interred in the eighteenth year of Yeongnak (永楽, 408).
Apart from his portrait, the tomb's murals illustrate a number of subjects, many featuring horses and including a hunting scene. The hunt was a pastime of rulers and elites across the Silk Roads and is found depicted in most places on many media: from murals like this in Tang China, to Sasanian metalwork and Byzantine silk.
The tomb also contains a depiction of the sky and the animals of the four directions.
Date Made408
PeriodGoguryeo
Place MadeKorea
Subject and Association KeywordsHorses
Subject and Association KeywordsDeath and burials
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Ahn 2012; Gwon 1996
