발해 용두산고분군 출토 기와의 특징과 의의

Abstract

Decorative roof tiles played an essential role in expressing the architectural ornamentation of roofs and signifying the hierarchy of buildings, thereby providing important insight into the nature and status of ancient structures. Among tombs yielding decorative roof tiles, Yukjeong-san Tomb also produced examples, but the Longtushan ancient tombs stand as the only site where multiple types of decorative tiles were found in association. Until recently, however, only a brief preliminary report had been available, limiting our understanding of their detailed contexts. With the publication of the full excavation report in 2025, comprehensive information on the roof tiles from the Longtushan ancient tombs has finally become accessible to the academic community. This report newly presents roof tiles previously omitted from the preliminary account and provides detailed analysis not only of tiles used for above-ground tomb architecture but also of bricks employed in constructing the burial chambers, offering significant insight into Balhae’s roof-tile and brick culture. Roof tiles from the Longtushan ancient tombs were recovered from four tombs and one building site. In addition to basic tiles such as convex- and concave-shaped roof tiles, decorative tiles including eave-end tiles, ridge-end tiles, ridge-cap tiles, flat plate-like ridge tiles, chimi, and yongdu were also identified, along with functional tiles such as jeoksae and chakgo. The assemblage reflects strong influence from Goguryeo, as evidenced by the forms of both basic and decorative tiles, which closely parallel examples from Seogoseong, Sanggyeongseong, and Pallyeonseong. Not only the types but also the detailed forms and measurements are consistent. However, unlike palace sites where many decorative tiles were coated with green glaze, glazed examples were scarcely identified at Longtushan. Furthermore, while tosu commonly accompanied decorative tiles at palace sites, none were found at the Longtushan ancient tombs. From Tombs M13 and M14, convex and concave basic tiles were found together with decorative types such as eave-end tiles, eave front tiles, ridge-end tiles, chimi, and yongdu, as well as functional tiles like jeoksae and chakgo. These tombs represent the only known case where chimi have been recovered from a burial context. Based on the roof form implied by the use of chimi in ancient architecture, the superstructure of the tomb is likely to have been a multi-storied wooden building. Pottery fragments depicting architectural motifs also provide valuable information for understanding the roof construction of Balhae wooden architecture. Producing roof tiles required substantial labor and technical skill-from clay collection and levigation to molding-rendering them luxury materials reserved for elite architecture in antiquity. The tiles from the Longtushan ancient tombs, dating to the mid–late 8th century, constitute key evidence for reconstructing Balhae’s roofing technology and architectural ornamentation. Further chronological classification of the tiles based on their combinations and installation patterns may yield important clues for refining the dates of the tombs and identifying their occupants.