서울 관우 동묘 신상(神像)에 스민 명부전(冥府殿)의 심판과 용서의 진혼(鎭魂) 의식(意識)

Abstract

There are a total of 16 statues in the Seoul Guan Yu (關羽) Dongmyo Shrine. This paper focuses on seven of these statues. The objectives of this study are as follows: First, it provides evidence that these statues represent two servants (侍者), as well as Guanping (關平), Zhoucang (周倉), Zhaolei (趙累), Wangfu (王甫), and Pujing (普淨). Second, it explores the meanings of these statues, particularly the themes of curses and forgiveness. Third, it examines the significance of these statues. The significance of this paper is outlined as follows: First, it is based on the official documents of the Joseon Dynasty, including the Royal Documents of the Guanwangmyo (≪關王廟儀軌≫), which provide evidence of the identities represented by the statues of Dongmyo. Second, it expressed its opinion for the first time that these statues borrowed the imagery of Hades Palace (冥府殿) in Buddhism. Thirdly, it expressed the opinion that the statues cursed Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉), who initiated the war during which Japan invaded Joseon in 1592, known as the Imjin War. Fourth, it expressed the view that the statues were meant to provide solace to the souls of all soldiers who lost their lives in the Imjin War. Fifth, it expressed that the statues were not limited to the concept of the Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms(≪三國志通俗演義≫), but also borrowed some imagery from Journey to the West(≪西遊記≫). In conclusion, it is considered that the statues of Dongmyo embody universal, pan-humanist concepts of curse and forgiveness that are absent from Chinese and Japanese Guan Yu (關羽) shrines.