Gold Crown Tomb

Gold Crown Tomb

A gold crown excavated from Geumgwanchong tomb. National Treasures of South Korea No. 87
Korean name
Hangul 금관총
Hanja 金冠塚
Revised Romanization Geumgwanchong
McCune–Reischauer Kŭmgwanch'ong
King Isaji's scabbard, also found in the Geumgwanchong Tomb. Four Chinese characters 尒斯智王, meaning ‘King Isaji’ may be seen under the magnifier.

The Gold Crown Tomb (Geumgwanchong), is a Silla tumulus located in modern-day Gyeongju, South Korea, the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Believed to date from the fifth or sixth century CE, the tomb was excavated in 1921. The tomb was the first to bear one of the sumptuous gold crowns of the Silla royalty, and is still the largest crown excavated thus far. The tomb gets its name from this famous crown.[1] Over 40,000 artifacts were recovered from the tomb, including "gold, silver, and bronze vessels, gold and silver weapons, gilt-bronze plate armor, stoneware vessels, 20,000 mainly blue Indo-Pacific beads, and horse fittings."[1][2]

The artifacts were found in the process of building extension work in private house backyard in KyungJu, Noseadong 1921. Immediately surveying started and many artifacts like Gold Crown were discovered. Furthermore, Japanese interest of Silla tumulus stated to amplify with beginning the excavation. After that, large tombs such as GeumRyungChong and SeaBongChong were discovered.<"refer name=maykim9292 />

A golden girdle found in the tomb is another important symbol of royalty and is only found in royal tombs. The girdle is about two metres in length, is made up of 39 plaques, and has various charms dangling from the main belt.[3] The golden crown found in this tomb is also notable for its intricate open metal-work inner cap which suggests a symbolism with bird wings and shamanistic practices.[3] A bronze tripod pouring vessel is possibly a Chinese import.[3]

Circular diameter of Gold Crown Tomb is 45m and height is 12m. This is known as stone mounded tomb which is only existed in the Shinar era. It is guessed that varnishing with lacquer was in the tomb. This structure of tomb and influence of Buddihism suggest the Royal Tomb is supposed to be made since King Jijeung before and after the 6th century which means before the Unified Silla period. According to the result of excavation, Gold Crown Tomb has one burial mound and structure is simple without special artifacts room. The exterior of Gold Crown is both simple and balanced. The appearance is the best of Silla Gold Crwons. Heart, fish scales, diamond T shape are decorated in the official hat. Diadem Ornament materialize image of bird which is going to fly strongly. On the wing part, dragon pattern is engraved and a lot of round dangles are hanging.[4]

Gold Belt ornaments which are excavated all the time with Gold Crown are made with thin gold plank and have 17 various shape pendants. One Silver Belt ornaments same as the Gold Belt ornaments are discovered in the Gold Crown Tomb. Once Silver Belt ornaments with having same draft as the Silver Belt ornaments had been excavated in Baekje Royal Tomb so this fact indicates relation of exchange between Silla and Baekje later half of 5th century.

Vessels are gold-silver, gold-bronze alloying, golden horn shape and bronze ladle. Above this, pot with four corner and Korean traditional caldron made of cast iron having delicate engraving show relation of exchange with Goguryeo at that time. The then general public could hardly take the metal vessels. The vessels suggest sumptuous life of Silla ruling class.

Weapons are gold-silver sword, gold-bronze helmet and armor. Among these, gold-bronze armor is an unprecedented example. The armor reminds commander in the Silla army wearing gold color elaborate armor no losing their dignity.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Rutt (1999), p.145
  2. ↑ Francis. (2002), p.47
  3. 1 2 3 Nelson, (1993) pp.249-257
  4. 1 2
  • Francis, Peter. (2002), Asia's maritime bead trade: 300 B.C. to the present, University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 0-8248-2332-X
  • Nelson, Sarah M., (1993) The archaeology of Korea, Cambridge world archaeology World Archaeology Series Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-40783-4
  • Rutt, Richard; Hoare, James. (1999) Korea: a historical and cultural dictionary. , Durham East-Asia series. Routledge. ISBN 0-7007-0464-7
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Geumgwanchong.


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, September 26, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.