Gold Earrings from Bubuchong Tomb, Gyeongju

This pair of gold earrings, 8.7 centimeters (3.4 inches) in length, was excavated from an ancient Silla (57-935) tomb, now called Bubuchong (“Tomb of the Couple”), in Bomun-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang.

Each earring consists of a thick, hollow ring at the top, an interlocking, thinner ring, and double-tier clusters of tiny leaves plus a large, heart-shaped pendant at the bottom.

The surface of the large hollow rings is ornately decorated with three or four-leaf designs contained in hexagonal shapes of tortoise shell made using filigree and granulation techniques.

The hanging ornaments on the bottom are further embellished by tiny gold granules.

Most of the gold earrings from Silla discovered so far are decorated using the filigree and granulation techniques introduced from southwest Asia.

In particular, this pair of earrings is highly regarded for the lavish filigree and granulation ornamentation covering all the surfaces.

Name: Gold Earrings from Bubuchong Tomb, Gyeongju

Period: Silla Period

Location: Yongsan District, Seoul

Status: National Treasure No. 90