Earthenware Shoe-shaped Funerary Objects

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.556

Category

Craft

Era

가야시대(5∼6세기)

Designated year

1971

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16, 삼성미술관 리움 (한남동)

Coordinates

37.536528, 126.996187

These two earthenware items are in the shape of a shoe and form a pair with each measuring 23.5cm long and 6.8-7.2㎝ wide. They are grave goods buried with the deceased much like the ornamental metal shoes found in Three Kingdoms-period tombs, although quite dissimilar in appearance to the latter. The toe end is sharply turned up while the lateral sides and the heel side stand upright with no inclination toward either end. The sole is flat with no raised heel. The upper edge of the heel side is slightly inclined to prevent the shoe from slipping off. There is a small hole near the front end. Holes for passing a string or strap are also present on both sides, four in number in one shoe and five in the other. Shallow dots are incised above these holes, forming an oblique line toward the toe end on one side and a fishbone-like pattern on the other. These items are more faithful replicas of real shoes that the metal shoes found in the Tomb of King Muryeong. Although the exact site of discovery is unknown, these well-crafted earthenware shoes are greatly valued for the light they shed on ancient grave goods.

Location