Dragon for a funerary bier
As part of the zodiac, the five directions, and the cardinal elements, dragons are linked to the order of the universe. Dragon kkokdu (ornaments for funerary biers) are powerful, auspicious symbols thought to repel evil and are prominently featured on sangyeo (funerary biers). Intertwining yellow and blue dragons are often placed at the top. Pairs are made together—this example preserves the head and half the body of the yellow dragon, with the tail of the blue dragon crossing in front. Dragons are thought to protect and accompany the deceased on the journey to the burial site and then a heavenly afterlife.
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