Sim Gang Spirit-path Stele

This stele was erected in 1596, the twenty-ninth year of King Seonjo, to commemorate the achievements of Sim Gang (1514–1567), father-in-law of King Myeongjong. His clan seat was Cheongsong. While Myeongjong was still a grand prince, he married Sim Gang's eldest daughter, and when Myeongjong ascended the throne in 1546, Sim Gang was appointed Yeongdonnyeongbusa and invested as Cheongneung Buwongun. The spirit-path stele stands at the foot of the tomb precinct and is in the gwibu-isu style, with a turtle-shaped base (gwibu) and a dragon-carved capstone (isu). The dragon-like head of the turtle base is turned far to the right as if looking back over its shoulder, while its forelegs appear dynamically poised, as though about to dig into the earth and dash forward. The inverted lotus-petal carving covering the turtle shell is worked with a strong sense of volume, and the capstone intricately depicts two dragons contending with each other for a wish-fulfilling jewel. The stele body, on which the inscription is carved, is set upright lengthwise on the back of the turtle base, an unusual arrangement. The inscription was composed by Sim Su-gyeong and the calligraphy was written by his grandson Sim Yeol.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gimpo, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산