“You’ll even be able to appreciate the dragon pattern”… National Gongju Museum’s ‘Baekje Dragon’ Exhibition

‘Dragon and Phoenix Pattern Ring Handle Large Sword’ discovered at King Muryeong’s Tomb. Two dragons are carved on the round ring, and a dragon’s head can be seen inside the ring. The dragon, which was considered a lucky spirit by the ancient people, was also used to symbolize the ruler. Courtesy of the National Gongju Museum

The ancient people believed that the imaginary animal ‘dragon’ had a special ability to rule over nature. The dragon, which was accepted as a spiritual being that eliminated evil and brought good luck, symbolized the highest authority such as a king. This is why a sword decorated with a dragon pattern was placed in the tomb of King Muryeong of Baekje (reign 501-523) and his queen, who passed away 1,500 years ago.

An exhibition is being held that looks into the diversity of Baekje culture centered around dragons. The National Gongju Museum will present a special exhibition titled ‘Dictionary of Imaginary Animals – Baekje Dragons’ from the 10th. In celebration of this year’s Year of the Dragon, 148 artifacts and 174 items related to dragons will be on display, including 6 national treasures and 7 treasures.

At the exhibition hall, you can see the ‘Dragon and Phoenix Patterned Ring-Handled Sword’ excavated from King Muryeong’s tomb. The sword’s round ring, found near King Muryeong’s waist, has two dragons engraved on it. The ends of the sword’s handle are covered with silver plates engraved with phoenix patterns and other designs on top of gold plates, and gold and silver threads are alternately wound between them to add extra splendor.

‘Queen Muryeong’s Silver Bracelet’ discovered at King Muryeong’s Tomb. The outer surface of the two bracelets is elaborately engraved with a dragon pattern, and the inner surface has the production date and the name of the maker written in detail. Courtesy of the National Gongju Museum

A pair of ‘Queen Muryeong’s Silver Bracelets’ discovered near the left arm of Queen Muryeong vividly depict a three-clawed dragon. The bracelets are inscribed in Chinese characters with the phrase, ‘Made by Dari in February of the year of Gyeongja with 230 silver pieces for the use of a great lady.’ This is the only bracelet from the Three Kingdoms period whose production date and maker’s name are specifically confirmed. In addition, you can admire Baekje relics with dragon figures engraved on them, such as the ‘Bronze Cauldron’ and ‘Gilt-bronze Shoes.’

A museum official explained, “When you enter the exhibition hall, you will feel as if you have entered a book,” and “We have created a new visual experience of Baekje’s dragons tailored to the eye level of the visitors.” The video, which recreates the main exhibits in 3D high-definition data, allows you to observe dragon patterns that are difficult to observe with the naked eye in detail. Until February 9th next year.

Reporter Sa Ji-won [email protected]

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2024-09-10 05:49:38