The Silla Gold Crowns, excavated from royal tumuli in Gyeongju (ancient Kyŏngju) on the Korean peninsula and dated to the 5th–6th century, are among the masterworks of East Asian goldwork. A circlet of pure gold is crowned with three antler-like uprights in the form of stylised mountain-and-tree (出) ornaments and two branches in the shape of deer antlers, all hung with countless jade comma-ornaments (gogok) and spangles that tremble and catch the light with every movement. Recovered from tombs such as Geumgwanchong and Hwangnamdaechong, they are read as ritual regalia that retain traces of the kingdom's Central-Asian and shamanic heritage.

Exhibition Venue

National Museum of Korea

Seoul, South Korea