Jwago
Kyung Suk Park Korean
Not on view
The teukgyeong, gyobanggo, and jwago are percussion instruments used in court rituals and banquets.
The L-shaped marble-slab of the teukgyeong is struck to signal the end of courtly pieces. Its pitch is governed by the stone’s thickness—the thinner it is, the higher the pitch. A larger version of the instrument, with sixteen tuned slabs, is called the pyeon gyeong. Both types are decorated with ducks symbolizing joy and fidelity, phoenixes for prosperity and rebirth, and pinecones for longevity.
The jwago and gyobanggo are both drums set within wood frames and played with mallets. The jwago is hung vertically providing a flat surface for a seated musician, while the gyobanggo is suspended horizontally. When used in processions, the gyobanggo was supported by two crossed poles carried by four people. Today it is featured in a traditional court dance (mugo).
On view from August 6, 2022–October 15, 2023
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