Gyeongbokgung Amisan Gulttuk

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.811

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1985

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로, 경복궁)

Coordinates

37.580105, 126.976924

King Taejong made a large pond in the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace on which he built Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. With soil excavated from the pond, he made an artificial hill in the backyard of Gyotaejeon Hall, which is called Amisan Mountain. The Chimneys of Amisan were designed to emit smoke which passed through an ondol (floor heating system) room of Gyotaejeon where the queen lived. They were made in 1866, the third year of King Gojong’s reign, when Gyeongbokgung Palace was renovated. Now there are four, engraved with various harmonious patterns and designs such as a vine, a red-crested white crane, a bat, a phoenix, a pine tree, a Japanese apricot tree, a chrysanthemum, herb of eternal youth, a rock, a bird and a deer. Each pattern was arranged with baked bricks and each gap between the bricks was filled with lime. Other patterns were also drawn, such as sipjangsaeng, the Four Gracious Plants (plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo), patterns symbolizing longevity, wealth and rank, and auspicious animals to drive out evil spirits. The upper parts of the chimneys were made on the model of a wooden building, and also a small window was made through which smoke could come out. Because of their beautiful patterns and structures, they not only fulfill their function as chimneys but are also an example of formative art.

Location