Gold Buckle from Seogam-ri, Pyeongyang

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 County, Pyeongannam, 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 parallel to the outer edge.

There is a pin resting on the notch made in the middle of the loop.

The principal decorative motifs of the frame - one large dragon and six small - are made via 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.

Name: Gold Buckle from Seogam-ri, Pyeongyang
Period: Samhan Period
Location: Yongsan District, Seoul
Status: National Treasure No. 89

*The photos and text for National Treasure are provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration. For more information, call (042) 481-4650 or visit www.cha.go.kr