Gold Bracelets from Noseo-dong, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.454

Category

Craft

Designated year

1967

Location

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

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

These gold bracelets 8cm in diameter were found from a tomb in Noseo-dong, Gyeongju. The flat outer sides of the bracelets each have 59 bumps inlaid with jade. Two sides between these bumps are engraved vividly with four dragons with their mouths open, trying to bite each other’s tail. The dragon’s bodies are carved with scale patterns in detail, and the eyes are engraved, too. Various kinds of gold or gilt-bronze bracelets were discovered from the tombs of the Silla Period located in Gyeongju, but most of them are unadorned or engraved with simple patterns. Thus, this pair of bracelets engraved with dragons is a rare example for its excellent carving; it is also regarded as a masterpiece among them.

Location