Change and use of Hoja(urinal) of Baekje

This study investigates the distribution and typological development of Baekje hoja(urinals), comparing them with specimens from China and Goguryeo to clarify their classification, lineage, and cultural significance. About forty specimens have been identified, broadly categorized into bird type(鳥形), quadruped type(獸形)—including the recumbent and seated tiger types— and bottle type(甁形). These are further divided into thirteen subtypes, eight of which are attested in Baekje contexts, including examples in Chinese celadon. In the Hanseong period, only a few hoja are attested, probably confined to Lelang(樂浪) or Chinese communities. By contrast, the Sabi period saw the emergence of diverse forms, reflecting the spread of hoja use among the upper strata of the capital and provincial centers. This diversity is linked to differences in lineage, chronology, and social hierarchy. Higher ranking vessels in the capital evolved from seated tiger type A1 to A2, while lower-ranking forms in both capital and provinces developed from seated tiger type Ba to bottle type A. This pattern reflects the continued adoption of hoja culture from the Southern Dynasties(南朝), with the later acceptance of bottle-type hoja suggesting a pursuit of practicality, as in other contemporary states. Hoja of Goguryeo origin also appear in the Sabi period of Baekje. Two forms emerged but were used only briefly before disappearing or being transformed. Their limited distribution around the Sabi capital and short use suggest introduction through Goguryeo groups around the time of King Seong’s relocation of the capital to Sabi.