Stone Jangseung Guardian Posts at Yeongeunsa Temple Site, Hamyang

Two stone jangseung guardian posts stand facing each other at the entrance to Baegunam Hermitage. This site was once occupied by Yeongeunsa Temple, and the posts, known respectively as Uho Daejanggun (Great General of the Right) and Jwaho Daejanggun (Great General of the Left), appear to have served as gatekeepers, prohibiting hunting and fishing and barring the entry of evil spirits. Uho Daejanggun is 280 cm high and 50 cm wide, while Jwaho Daejanggun is 270 cm high and 50 cm wide. Uho Daejanggun has a head topped with a large topknot, round protruding eyes, a large fist-like nose, a tightly closed mouth, and a beard around the mouth. Jwaho Daejanggun is distinctive for a head that appears to wear an official's hat, while the rest of its form resembles that of Uho Daejanggun. Overall, the carving is clear and sharp, and the sculpture conveys a good sense of humour. The date of production is confirmed by an inscription carved in the lower right of Jwaho Daejanggun, which shows that it was made in 1765, the 41st year of King Yeongjo of Joseon. Besides guarding the temple, the posts are an example of objects that, according to feng shui principles, served the combined function of praying for the prosperity of the nation and the king's longevity, while also being objects of folk worship.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hamyang, Gyeongnam

Designation

Provincial Folklore Heritage · 시도민속문화유산