Traditional Artifacts
Classic Jeulmun vessel with wide mouth, c. 3500 BC. Prehistoric Korea.
This wide mouthed vessel played a critical role in the development of plant cultivation and sedentary society in prehistoric Korea. During this time period, people often practiced hunting and gathering.
This wide mouthed vessel played a critical role in the development of plant cultivation and sedentary society in prehistoric Korea. During this time period, people often practiced hunting and gathering.
Gold and Jade Crown. Metalwork, c. 5th century CE. Three Kingdoms Period, Silla Kingdom.
The Silla Kingdom, one of the kingdoms from the Three Kingdoms period, dominated the Korean peninsula for the 1st millennium. This piece of art indicates the respect given to the central leader of the kingdom. It contains many pieces of jade and gold. Jade has heavy cultural significance in Korea. In ancient Korea, jade was used to honor the elite or the dead. |
Pair of earrings. Gold, early 5th century CE. Three Kingdoms period, Silla Kingdom.These pure gold earrings feature thin leaf-shaped pendants. Earrings like this pair are commonly found in burial tombs on the deceased elite (men and women). Korean traditions frequently paid respect and honor to royals and nobles.
|
Bird–shaped vessel. ca. late 2nd–3rd century, Three Kingdoms period.
Earthenware. These Korean footed vessels resemble Chinese bronze counterparts, which acted as vehicles for the soul to travel to the immortal world. Korean bird-shaped vessels, similarly, were probably used for rituals. The curvy body of the bird, combined with the angular beak and crest, creates a sense of naturalism. |
Rafter finial in shape of dragon's head, wind chime.
10th century, Goryeo dynasty. Gilt bronze.The dragon, both decorative and symbolic, is popular among Asian art. In Asian culture, the dragon represents positive things such as power or protection. The fierce nature of dragons is especially evident in this piece, with large eyes, nostrils, and mouth. The theme of safety is consistent in the Buddhist symbol of safety on the bell. |