백제 대형 저장용기의 변화와 의미

Abstract

In the Korean kingdom of Baekje (18BCE–660CE), storage containers larger than before appeared. This study examined large storage containers in Baekje over time using a histogram where the threshold for “large” containers was 65cm or higher. We classified large storage containers into five types according to their use and shape. We then further categorized them by temporality into four stages: the first half of the Hanseong period, the second half of the Hanseong period, the first half of Sabi period, and the second half of the Sabi period. The analysis revealed different preferences for the large containers’ impression patterns, hardness, and colors during the four periods. Throughout the first half of the Hanseong period, Type2 was most prevalent, followed by Type1. Both the types used lattice patterns. Their hardness varied, but none were soft. The most common color was gray. We identified other features, such as impression patterns on the shoulders or heels of the containers. In the second half of the Hanseong period, the prevalent forms were Types2, 3, and 4. Although many used latticepattern designs, line patterns also appeared. Variations in hardness continued. Although the most common color was gray, more containers appeared with a grayish-blue hue. There were almost no containers with impressions on the shoulders and heels. In the first half of the Sabi period, the prevalent forms were Types4 and 5 were prevalent, with a similar proportion of lattice and line patterns. All the containers were hard, and the grayish-blue color dominated. In the second half of the Sabi period, there were many more containers with line patterns. All the containers were hard, and nearly all were grayish-blue. For context, this study assumed that the transition was related to large jars in the Proto–Three Kingdom Period. We theorize that there were several production sources because of the variety of shapes and excavation sites for the large storage containers in the second half of the Hanseong period. The excavation volume of large storage containers decreased steeply during the Woongjin period, probably due to the politically unstable times. The number of large storage containers increased again in the Sabi period. Type5 was the standard in the second half of the Sabi period. This aligns with the era of unification in various fields at the time. We presumed that the central government mainly manufactured and managed the large storage containers.