Accession Number
2004/1.258

Title
Ogre tile from the roof of the Great South Gate (Namdaemon) of Seoul

Artist(s)
Korean

Artist Nationality
Korean (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1398

Medium & Support
earthenware

Dimensions
8 1/16 in. x 8 1/4 in. x 2 1/4 in. ( 20.5 cm x 21 cm x 5.7 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp and Museum purchase made possible by Elder and Mrs. Sang-Yong Nam

Label copy
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.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
roof tile

Additional Object Classification(s)
Decorative Arts

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
tile (materials)