Ogre tile from the roof of the Great South Gate (Namdaemon) of Seoul
Korean
Description
Ogre roof tile
Korea, Joseon period (1392–1910)
circa 1398
Earthenware
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam, 2004/1.258
Roof-end tiles adorned with religious or symbolic motifs capped the eaves of many public or monastic buildings in Korea. This ceramic tile with a grimacing face was designed to ward off evil spirits at Seoul’s Great South Gate (known in Korean as Namdaemun), which has provided access to the city since it became the capital of the Joseon dynasty in 1398. The Great South Gate, along with ones facing North, East, and West, served as both physical and metaphorical protection for the city. Designated as “National Treasure No. 1” in 1962, this gate continues to have an important place in contemporary South Korea.
Subject Matter:
The ogre face was designed to ward off evil spirits at Seoul's Great South Gate. The Great South Gate, along with ones facing North, East, and West, served as both physical and metaphorical protection for the city.
Physical Description:
Ceramic tile with grimacing face.
Usage Rights:
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