한국사원의 귀면장식과 김제 금산사 출토 「王」자명 귀면기와

Abstract

Usually Monster face ornamentations in Korea Buddhist temple were divided into three categories such as exterior tile, interior tile and the rest which are mostly examples of Late Joseon Dynasty. After specified shape coding of ‘Wang’(王 : King) inscribed monster face tiles discovered in geumsansa temple, characteristics and various types of monster decoration tile have been brought into light thorugh in this study. Discovered ‘Wang’(王 : King) inscribed monster face tile in Bongchunwongu site of geumsansa temple is convex roof tile of Goryeo Dynasty. Through ‘Wang’(王 : King) inscribed monster face motifs like square rafter tiles discovered in Anapji pond, tiles of Wolseong castle of Gyeongju and Tang Dynasty silver and gold tea set from Famensi temple of China. Also this motif was discovered at the main Budhha altars of Jeondeungsa Temple in Gangwha, main hall of Jeonghyesa temple in Suncheon and Buddha’s stele of Tongdosa temple in Yangsan Main function of these tile motif is fabulous role to scare away evil forces. Fanciful Monster face has fabulous role to protect from evil forces. Simply docoration with chimerical frontal face stressed with big eyes and mouth, real reasons to crerate this monster face was to protect and to scare away evil forces. A motif of fish in monster mouth which is very unique and popular in Late Choseon Dynasty was prevent from fire disaster. Monster face and Monster tile is Korean traditional term not as Japanese term which are mostly recognized. Many historical records prove this. I also suggest that the terms of Beast face, Dragon face, Monster dragon instead of Monster Face must be deserve little consideration.