Stone Lantern from the West Gate of Naju

This stone lantern has a rectangular foundation and a three-tiered pillar supporting a compartment designed to enclose a flame, finished with a stone roof and upper adornments. Between the upper and lower stone support is an octagonal column inscribed with writing. According to the inscribed record, this stone lantern was made in 1093 (tenth year of the reign of Goryeo’s King Seonjong) and was originally attached to a stone structure in Heungryongsa Temple. Once located inside the west gate of Najueupseong Fortress, the lantern was transported to Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1929, at which time the compartment enclosing the flame and upper adornments were rebuilt. This lantern demonstrates the techniques for decorating stone roofs and the exemplary structural and sculptural features of stone lanterns in the style of Unified Silla.