Gold Earrings from Bubuchong Tomb, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.90

Category

Craft

Era

신라시대(5세기)

Designated year

1962

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

This pair of gold earrings with length of 8.7 centimeters was excavated from an ancient tomb of Silla (57-935), now called Bubuchong (“Tomb of the Couple”), in Bomun-dong, Gyeongju. Each earring consists of thick, hollow ring at the top, interlocking, thinner ring, and double-tier clusters of tiny leaves plus a large, heart-shaped pendant at the lowest part. The large hollow rings have the surface ornately decorated with three or four-leaf designs contained in hexagonal shapes of tortoise shell made using the filigree and granulation techniques. The hanging ornaments of the lower section are further embellished by tiny gold granules. Most of the gold earrings of Silla discovered so far are decorated by the filigree and granulation techniques introduced from the Southwest Asian region. In particular, this pair of earrings is highly regarded for the lavish filigree and granulation ornamentation covering the surface of all parts.

Location