National Buyeo Museum in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
National Buyeo Museum in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
Modest but not shabby, splendid but not extravagant.
Reorganization of the Governance System
After relocating the capital to Sabi to restore the royal authority and strengthen the king's power, King Seong systematically reorganized the governance system. The capital city, where about 10,000 households resided, was divided into five sections: Sang, Jeon, Jung, Ha, and Hu, with each section further divided into five subsections. In the provinces, five Bangs were established, under which Gun and Seong were placed. Additionally, 22 central government offices were established, and a 16-rank system was implemented.
The Baekje Gilt-bronze Incense Burner is the epitome of Baekje culture, encapsulating the Baekje people's exceptional artistic sense, outstanding craftsmanship, and even their religion and philosophy. The Baekje Gilt-bronze Incense Burner was discovered during the excavation of the Neungsan-ri temple site (Historic Site No. 434) in Buyeo-gun in 1993.
The incense burner consists of a lid, body, and base. At the top of the lid is a phoenix with its wings spread wide. The mountain-shaped lid is decorated with various figures, animals, and mystical beings among the peaks. There are 12 holes between the phoenix's chest and the mountain peaks through which smoke rises.
The body, shaped like a fully bloomed lotus flower, is adorned with fish, birds, and various imaginary animals between the lotus petals. The base, depicting a dragon soaring powerfully into the sky, showcases the dynamic movement of the dragon and the balanced beauty that stably supports the incense burner.
Chimi is a special roof tile used to decorate the roofs of wooden structures, shaped like the wings of a bird spread towards the sky. Chimi in Korea can be confirmed from Goguryeo tomb murals, suggesting that they were made around the mid to late 4th century.
Baekje is also believed to have made Chimi around the same time, but so far, they have only been confirmed in Sabi period relics from after the 6th century. According to records such as 'Samguk Yusa,' Baekje's architectural techniques were transmitted to Silla and Japan, indicating that Baekje had a significant influence on Chimi production as well.