[National Treasure] Glass Ewer and Cups from the South Mound of Tomb No. 98, Gyeongju

Name: Glass Ewer and Cups from the South Mound of Tomb No. 98, Gyeongju

Period: Silla (57 B.C. to A.D. 935)

Location: Yongsan District, central Seoul

Status: National Treasure No. 193

A glass bottle and three cups were unearthed from a wooden box in the South Mound of Hwangnamdaechong Tomb located in Hwangnam-dong of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang (the capital of Silla).

Of the various glass products found in the ancient tombs of the Silla Dynasty, this set has the most peculiar form.

The bottle is 25 centimeters in height and 9.5 centimeters in diameter, and each cup is a different size: Cup I is 12.5 centimeters in height, and 10 centimeters in diameter.

Cup II is eight centimeters in height, and 10.5 centimeters in diameter.

Cup III is 10.5 centimeters in height, and 9.5 centimeters in diameter.

The bottle, made of thin glass, is in the shape of a long egg-like ellipse, soft green in color.

The top of the bottle is like a bird's beak for the convenience of pouring water. Like Persian dishes, it has a unique curve: a delicate neck and horn-styled coaster. There are 10 fine, blue lines on the neck and a small coarse string on the mouth. The golden thread rolled on the grip seems to be proof of repairs due to damage before the burial.

As for the Cup I, it is light green in color and is broad on top and narrow on the bottom. There is a decorative vacant tube-like form around the mouth and another blue, decorative line of glass just over it. The engraving of blue wave patterns on the upper body and lattice below it is unique.

Cup II is light green and has a broad mouth. It is rather thick around the mouth and around it are small risings. There is an appearance of a dent in the middle of the base.

Cup III is also light green in color and the shape of the mouth is broad and cubic. A decorative tube is around the mouth. It is light blue in color on the top and below. Although they were severely damaged when they were found, they have all, fortunately, been restored to their original form.

Cup I, in particular, is thought to have been imported from a Western country due to the quality of the glass, color and shape.

Therefore, this discovery is historically valuable since it serves evidence that cultural exchange and international trade with Western countries existed 1,500 years ago.