평상(平牀)의 역사적 고찰

Historical Study of Pyeong Sang

The purpose of this study is to examine the changes of Pyeong Sang and to establish the identity of Korean furniture. From the Three Kingdoms to the Goryeo Dynasty, when there were no artifacts related to Pyeong Sang, records about Pyeong Sang were investigated based on ancient literature of the Korean history database. Since the Joseon Dynasty, when there were artifacts, Pyeong Sang was analyzed through records and artifacts. Pyeong Sang includes both sitting chair form and lying bed form. It consists of floor and leg, and the height of the leg ranges from being able to strech the leg to being completely absent. Pyeong Sang was used in both Goguryeo and China, and in the Silla Dynasty, it was limited to decorate Pyeong Sang by class. Since the Silla Dynasty, it was used not only in palaces but also in temples. In the Goreyo Dynasty, up to two people can sit on the Pyeong Sang and it was used to hold important events and treat state guests in the palace. Records of the Goreyo Dynasty on the Pyeong Sang show that it was also used on battlefields and ships, and that the wooden bench was also made of bamboo, indicating that the scope of use was wider than that of the Three Kingdom. In the Joseon Dynasty, Pyeong Sang was used for various events as well as funerals by royal family and nobility. Most of Pyeong Sang are Jak Pyeon Sang that two Pyeong Sang are attached together or Sal Pyeong Sang that floor is consist of narrow rung. As material for the Pyeong Sang, solid wood was used with metal feldspar such as Gamjabi and Gwangdujeong. In modern times, Pyeong Sang became so common that it was used in theaters. Today, it is not only used as a home bed, but also as a place to communicate between viliage members or outsiders.