GOLD Crown of the Silla Dynasty on display in Seoul—first time in 36 years!

GOLD Crown of the Silla Dynasty on display in Seoul—first time in 36 years!


A rare exhibition featuring one of Korea’s priceless National Treasures (The Silla Crown, National Treasure No.188, to be exact) will be opening at The National Museum of Korea from August 17th, 2010 to February 13th, 2011. The crown is on loan from the Gyeongju National Museum, home to the Silla Chamber in the Pre History & Ancient History Gallery where the crown usually resides. 

The crown, officially named “Cheonmachong Geumgwan (천마총 금관)” was discovered at Cheonmachong in 1973 and has been estimated to date back to the late 5th century or early 6th century. Apart from the piece’s impressive history (and shiny exterior) there’s one more unusual fact that makes this piece so interesting: when the crown was unearthed, it was still resting upon the head of the king (or rather, what was left of him)! The Silla crown is 32.5㎝ high and 20㎝ in diameter and decorated with the character (出). Unlike other golden crowns that have been discovered so far, the Silla crown is made of solid gold, which may explain why its last owner was so reluctant to part with it. 

This is the crown’s second trip to Seoul, following its first showing in 1974 (the same year of its discovery) when it starred in the special exhibition “Silla Myeongbo” held at the National Museum of Korea.