| Kwon
Clan Neungdong Jaesa (Jaeshil) (1653, rebuilt 1896) other
sites in Andong |
Andong, Korea |
Click to enlarge aerial view drawn by Tim Ciccone, copyright 2003 |
Click for axonometric of interior space drawn by Tim Ciccone, copyright 2003 |
Click on an image to enlarge
A 'jaesil' or 'jaesa', as it is commonly known in the Andong region, is a place where the collateral branches of a clan come together at least once a year to perform a grand sacrificial rite to their common ancestors. This annual undertaking presented a number of challenges that influenced the architectural layout of jaesils. The large number of guests and the need to prepare sacrificial food led to the development of huge kitchen and service areas that required their own courtyard. A separate courtyard was established in front of the large building where the rites were actually performed. High-ranking members of the clan slept in small dormatories in front of the large building, but this was only a fraction of the sleeping space needed for the gathering. Most likely, the majority of visitors pitched temporary camp outside the jaesil.
The most eye-catching part of the jaesil is a two-story tower placed in the front of the compound opposite the large building for performing rites. The tower held no specific ritual function, and was generally used as a rest area and a place for family members to gather after the rites were over. Since the tower was the most prominent building in the compound, it was carefully constructed to display the naturalism aesthetic that was paramount in Joseon dynasty Korea.
The hall where the rites were actually carried out was also highly refined. Of all the buildings in the compound, the large hall received the best carpentry and the highest quality wood. The building typically sits on a tall base in order to indicate its place in the hierarchy of structures.
The description above is a general summary of Jaesa architecture in the Andong area, where it reached its greatest refinement. Other systems of Jaesa layout can be seen in other provinces.
The jaesa on this page is the Neungdong Jaesa of the Andong Kwon clan. It was originally constructed in 1653 but rebuilt after a fire in 1896. Its layout is divided into two territories centered on separate courtyards. The territory to the west contains the main building, two dormitories, and the entry pavilion (Chuwon-ru). Perhaps in keeping with its Confucian function, this portion of the compound is laid out much like a Confucian private academy (seowon) or public school (hyanggyo). The territory to the east comprises the kitchen, support buildings, and storage spaces. Its layout is similar to residential dwellings.
(Important folklore material #183)
Close-up plan of the Kwon clan Neungdong memorial hall.
Click on an arrow for a specific view.
Plan copyright 2002-2003 ATA
Laboratory, Daejeon, Korea. Measured and drawn in August, 2002 by
the ATA team (including Tim Ciccone).
Wide plan of the Kwon clan Neungdong memorial hall.
Click on an arrow for a specific view:
Plan copyright 2002-2003 ATA
Laboratory, Daejeon, Korea. Measured and drawn in August, 2002 by
the ATA team (including Tim Ciccone).
Bibliography:
All images
copyright 2003 Tim Ciccone. Photographed in August, 2002.
http://arch.hannam.ac.kr/~hpw/title.htm
Cultural Properties Administration.
ATA Laboratory, Daejeon, Korea.