Sukbuin Yi Clan Tomb Stele, Hapcheon

This stele has an unusual form. Its capstone is carved as two dragons guarding a magic jewel, with the jewel appearing relatively large for the size of the capstone; the space from the dragons' mouths to the jewel has been hollowed out, making the jewel stand out all the more prominently. This closely resembles the capstone of Jo Eonhyeong's tomb stele, but here cloud patterns are used extensively on the lower front and on the rear, so that the dragons' writhing bodies and tails are not visible, giving it a much more restrained appearance. This too appears to give visual form to the phrase put forward by Nammyeong as guidance for cultivating the mind: "One must never forget it in the mind, just as a dragon watches over its jewel." This stele is therefore not only old, but its form is also unusual compared with other steles of its period, and its capstone forms an exquisite harmony with that of Jo Eonhyeong's tomb stele.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hapcheon, Gyeongnam

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산