A Study on the Stone Guardian Costumes of Unified Silla Royal Tombs (Ⅰ) - Focused on stone guardian wearing a sleeveless armor -

Abstract

Stone guardian figures at Unified Silla royal tombs continued to be erected approximately from the second-half of the 8SUPth/SUP till the end of the 9SUPth/SUP centuries. This is identified at four tombs of Seong-deok, Won-seong (also known as Suspended Tomb), Heon-deok, and Heung-deok Kings. Stone guardian figures are classified into two different kinds: one pair of guardian wears a sleeveless armor and holds a long sword, while another pair of guardian wears a round-necked coat and holds a club. Judging from the material they hold, it is clear that they are military officials to protect the tombs. For the analytical purpose, this paper designated stone guardian figures 1 and 2 respectively. By comparing the costumes and other visible materials they wear with those of guardian figures of Tang China, this paper attempts to identify the unique costume of Unified Silla. Stone guardian 1 wears an official hat, sleeveless armor on skirt and jacket, and shoes. There are similarities between the costume and associated items that a Sillarian wears and those of military guards’ in Tang China. Yet, in terms of overall appearance, detailed decoration such as combination of pentagon-shaped gold ornament and wing-shaped ornament and the diadem structure of stone guardian’s hat at the tomb of King Heung-deok shows a Silla style variation in official hat. In addition, the costume style of Silla differs from Tang China in sleeveless armor piece, the way in which breast part connects with back part, and belt tied in the back with hanging. Also there is a possibility that the costume of stone guardian 1 in Silla royal tombs corresponds to the court dress of Silla.