Heo Chu Bu Bu Tomb Stone Furnishings, Jinju

Heo Chu was the son of Heo Mun-son, the founding ancestor of the Seungsan lineage who first settled in the area and who had served as Jeollyeok buwi, a junior ninth-rank post in the military branch (Seoban) of Joseon officialdom. Heo Chu himself held the civil rank of Jangsarang and served as Chambong, custodian of Gijajeon Shrine. His wife, of the Gang clan of Jinju, was the second daughter of Gang Suk-gyeong (1428–1481), who had served as Magistrate of Haman. According to genealogical records, Heo Chu's tombstone inscription was composed by Jo Sun (1467–1529), who had served as a Compiler in the Chunchugwan (Office of Annals), and the stone was erected in the second month of 1522, the first year of the Jiajing era. His wife's tombstone was composed by Jeong Sa-ryong (1491–1570), who had served as Consultant of the Royal Lecture and Compiler in the Chunchugwan, and was erected in the second month of 1527, the sixth year of the Jiajing era. In form, Heo Chu's tombstone consists of a square pedestal, a stele body inscribed with the epitaph, and a stele cap carved with a lotus leaf and lotus bud, whereas his wife's tombstone is distinctive for its turtle-shaped pedestal and for a cap bearing a lotus leaf together with a paired-crane design in relief, adding an element of grandeur. The same contrast holds for the mangjuseok, the ornamental stone pillars at the tomb: Heo Chu's pillar has a turtle-shaped pedestal, an octagonal shaft, and an upper section formed of lotus leaves and a round finial, whereas the pair of pillars at his wife's tomb show far superior artistry, their pedestals carved with facing lions in realistic form. In front of each tomb, a single course of stone masonry supports a central offering table (sangseok); the two tables are of almost identical form, but unusually their front faces are carved with bat-shaped decorative vents, a scrolling foliage design and tiger-paw-shaped legs — motifs found on Joseon-period wooden furniture such as scripture desks — and each has a square hollow cut into its centre to hold an incense box.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jinju, Gyeongnam

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산