Belt ornament (part of a group of ten: F1916.428-429, 726-730, 740, 743-744)

About this artwork

To 1916

Art Historical Context

This exquisite belt ornament, dating to the 12th-14th during Korea's Goryeo period (918-1392), exemplifies the refined metalwork of a golden age in Korean artistry. Part of a rare group of ten such pieces (F1916.428-429, 726-730, 740, 743-744), it would have adorned the belts of nobility, signaling wealth and status in a society shaped by Buddhism, Confucian ideals, and maritime trade. The Goryeo dynasty, known for its celadon ceramics and Buddhist treasures, produced such ornaments amid a flourishing aristocracy, where personal adornments blended elegance with spiritual symbolism. Crafted in bronze with gilding—a technique of applying thin gold layers over base metal—the ornament showcases advanced Korean metallurgy. This labor-intensive process created a luxurious sheen, highlighting intricate designs that likely drew from floral, animal, or auspicious motifs common in Goryeo jewelry. These pieces were not mere decoration but cultural artifacts, reflecting the era's technical prowess and aesthetic harmony. A generous gift from collector Charles Lang Freer, who acquired it by 1916, this ornament now graces the Smithsonian's collection, bridging visitors to medieval Korea's splendor. Imagine it glinting on a courtier's sash during a royal procession— a tangible link to a vibrant past.

About the Artist

Unknown

The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...