• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.93-102
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• 2020

A lichen is a complex microorganism comprising fungi and algae. Various lichens are commonly found in cultural heritage and are reportedly related to weathering. Lichens are commonly studied in Europe; however, few reports exist on lichens in Korean cultural heritage. The present study was conducted as part of the Korean National Arboretum's "A study on the Fungus and Lichen." We report the lichen diversity found at the Placenta Chambers of King Sejong's Sons, Seongju. A total of 65 lichens were collected from 19 placenta chambers and one memorial stone. We identified 40 species belonging to 10 genera, 17 families, and 23 orders. Morphological identification revealed that foliose lichens in the form of leaves(24, 36.9%) and crustose lichens in the form of crust(24, 36.9%) were distributed at a higher percentage than that of fruticose lichen in the form of branches(17, 26.2%). Xanthoparmelia coreana(foliose lichen) and Lepraria sp.(crustose lichen) were the most collected lichens and were distributed on 19 chambers. In addition, Clodonia, a fruticose lichen, had the highest species diversity with eight species. The highest species diversity of lichens was identified on the chamber of Prince Kyeyang(16 lichens), whereas the chamber of Prince Geumsung had the lowest species diversity(five lichens). This study will be used as primary data for the study of distribution of lichen diversity in Korean cultural heritage.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.192-211
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• 2021

In Seongju, Gyengsangbuk-do, the Placenta Chamber (胎室, Taesil) of 18 sons and a son of the crown prince of King Sejong(世宗大王) is located in one place. Taesil refers to the place where the umbilical cord and placenta, which are separated when the baby is born, are placed in a jar made of pottery and stone box and then buried on the ground. The placenta chamber in Seongju has the Buncheong ware (粉靑沙器) cover buried on the ground to protect the baby's placenta. These covers are all hemispherical, with a diameter of more the 20cm. The decorations were made using black and white inlaid techniques only on the outside. The Buncheong ware cover with this shape and pattern has been confirmed only in the placenta chamber in Seongju. This study targets 6 of the Buncheong ware cover whose owners were identified, when and where they were prepared, what the stylistic features and meanings are, and where it was produced. The results of the study are as follows. First, ss a result of reviewing the production background and procurement system of this bowl, it was inferred that it was sourced from Jangheunggo (長興庫) at the central government office, between 1436 and 1439, when the event to bury the placenta of royal members in the ground was the most active. Second, it analyzed the unique features of this cover, such as the shape, pattern, and baked traces. The shape and pattern were compared to the ritual objects contained in the Sejong Silok Oryeui (『世宗實錄』 「五禮」, Five Rites of King Sejong Chronicle) and the lid of the royal placenta jar made in the 15th and 16th centuries. Third, this study suggests that the baking method was based on the shape and location of the traces remaining outside the cover. Finally, the following data were used to estimate the production site: the relationship with the 'Jagiso (磁器所, ceramic workshop) registered in the Sejong Silok Jiriji (『世宗實錄』 「地理志」, Geographical Appendix of King Sejong Chronicle); various records of contribution and dedication about the Buncheong ware made here; and the Buncheong ware and related tools excavated from the kiln site in the area. The place where the Buncheong ware cover was produced is estimated to be the most likely production site for the kiln site in Chunghyo-dong Kiln Site, located in Jeolla-do province by synthesizing the data above.