One such figure was found in the center aisle of the
tomb of King Muryeong. It is in height, in length, and in width. The animal is somewhat realistic, depicting a tail and anus. However, a steel horn shaped like a leaf and flame patterns depicting wings which run from the left and right of the body and on the legs show that it is not based on a real creature. The
seoksu has a blunt mouth and a big nose without nostrils. The mouth has remnants of red paint on it, suggesting that the figure was once brightly painted. Although this
seoksu is of a lower quality than some of the other treasures found within the tomb, it is especially valuable because it is the first stone figure excavated buried with
Baekje kings. The figure is the 162nd
National Treasure of Korea and was designated by the South Korean government on July 9, 1974. It is currently held in the
Gongju National Museum. ==See also==