Corner Pillars

Banghyeong (rectangular) Tomb in Gujeong-dong, Gyeongju is a square stone-chamber tomb, the likes of which are unprecedented in the Silla area. The tomb contained Zodiac Figures embossed on lining stones, and this corner pillar stood in the right corner. Two sides of the pillar are embossed with a warrior from the Central Asia, while the adjacent sides feature a lion design, carved in a similar fashion. The warriors, whose facial features include deep eyes and a pronounced nose, are considered to be guardians of the tomb, along with the Zodiac Figures, and their image is evidence that Unified Silla shared a cultural and trade relationship with the Central Asia. The lions are perched upright, with their hind paws crossed, while mysterious plumes pour out from their jaws.