Skip Navigation

Heritage Search

National Treasure

Gold Buckle from Seogam-ri, Pyeongyang

평양 석암리 금제 띠고리 ( 平壤 石巖里 金製 鉸具 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Gold Buckle from Seogam-ri, Pyeongyang
Quantity 1 Item
Designated Date 1962.12.20
Age Nangrang (1st-2nd century)
Address National Museum of Korea, 137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

A device used for fastening two loose ends of a belt, this gold buckle, 9.4 centimeters long and 6.4 centimeters wide, was excavated from Seogamni Tomb No. 9 in Daedong-gun, Pyeongannam-do, which is now part of North Korea. The outer part of the buckle frame is rounded and wider than the inner part attached to the strap, with a slit loop running in parallel with the outer edge. There is a pin resting on a notch made in the middle of the loop. The principal decorative motifs of the frame -- one large and six small dragons -- are made by a range of metalworking techniques, including hammering from the reverse side to create designs in low relief and filigree and granulation to adorn the designs with fine gold wire and tiny granules. Between the dragons are several floral motifs inlaid with jade beads. With the aesthetic excellence achieved by the outstanding quality of workmanship, this gold buckle is currently regarded as one of the finest metal artifacts excavated in Korea.