Gold Hairpin of King Muryeong

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.159

Category

Craft

Era

백제시대

Designated year

1974

Location

공주시, 충청남도— 충남 공주시 관광단지길 34, 국립공주박물관 (웅진동)

Coordinates

36.465600, 127.112373

This is a gold chignon pin discovered on the head of King Muryeong’s wooden coffin at the time of the excavation of the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong. It is 18.4cm long with a 6.8cm wide upper part. It has the shape of an inverted triangle with a wide upper part and narrow lower part. Considering its 3 long pin-shaped bottom ends, it is believed to have been fixed in the hair. The upper part of the inverted triangle has the shape of a bird with its wings expanded, and the 3 sticks on the bottom look like long tails of a bird. Overall, the pin takes the shape of a flying bird. Flower patterns are printed on both the right and left wings. Vine patterns are densely and symmetrically placed under the flower patterns. The edge of the bird's head and wing is decorated with a line of many small chiseled dots. The patterns on the chignon ornament are all depicted by the tachul method, making embossed patterns on a plate by hitting the backside of the plate. Carved lines are also used for details. Considering the 3 strips on the bottom, it was supposedly used as a hair ornament for special rituals.

Location