Long-necked Jar with Clay Figurines

Tou are clay figurines, pottery made in the shape of things or animals. They were made as toys or pets, for magical purposes, or as grave goods. They may also be of bone, horn, wood, straw or grass, but since most are clay they are generally called tou. These are two long-necked jars decorated with figurines. The one from tomb no. 30 on Gyerim-ro is 34 cm high and 22.4 cm across the mouth; the one from tomb no. 11 at Nodong-dong is 40.5 cm high and 25.5 cm across the mouth. The jar from tomb no. 30 on Gyerim-ro, in the King Michu's Tomb area, has a round base and an upright mouth flaring slightly, with four raised lines round the neck. Five lines at a time are drawn from top to bottom, concentric circles are incised between them, and figurines of frogs, birds, turtles and people decorate it. The body is divided in two; the upper part, like the neck, has five lines drawn at a time with concentric circles between. Where shoulder meets neck are figurines of a man and woman making love, a rabbit, a snake, and a heavily pregnant woman playing the gayageum. The jar from the north mound of Nodong-dong tomb no. 11 has an upright mouth flaring slightly and turning in at the lip. The neck is divided in two by a raised line, each part incised with overlapping waves drawn five lines at a time, with stamped circles between. The body too is incised with five-line waves. Its figurines are of the same kind as on the Gyerim-ro jar but only on the neck, and fewer. These figurines carry meanings of production, abundance and warding off evil spirits. They are recognised for an outstanding artistry within their simplicity, and they show the beliefs of their time and a rich expression of feeling.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

National Treasure · 국보