Stele of Yun Hyo-son, Gurye

A sindobi (神道碑, 'spirit-path stele') is a stele recording the deeds of the deceased during their lifetime, erected in front of the tomb. In the Joseon period it was customary to erect such a stele in honour of officials of the senior second rank or above who had achieved great deeds or outstanding scholarship, so as to set an example for later generations. This stele is the sindobi of the Joseon-period civil official Yun Hyo-son. Yun Hyo-son (1431–1503) passed the state examination in the first year of King Danjong (1453) and rose through posts including governor of Hwanghae Province and Minister of Justice to become Left State Councillor. Under King Seongjong he also took part in compiling the Gyeongguk daejeon, the Joseon dynastic code, and the Oryeuiju. He died in the ninth year of Yeonsangun's reign (1503) and was given the posthumous title Munhyo. The stele consists of a stele body set on a tortoise-shaped base and capped with a headstone. The tortoise base has an unusual form to its forelegs: whereas these normally point toward the head, here they are bent backward, with the claws touching the lotus pedestal below. The dragon carving on the headstone is remarkably lifelike, and the top is capped with a round stone forming a finial. The inscription records Yun Hyo-son's lifetime achievements and his family lineage, together with words in praise of his loyalty, filial piety and character. The stele was erected in the fourteenth year of King Jungjong's reign (1519); the inscription was composed by Sin Yong-gae and written by Sin Gong-je.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gurye, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물