Topknot pin
12th-13th century
Classification
Jewelry and Ornament
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1917.618
Tags
About this artwork
Reportedly excavated at Gaeseong, Hwanghaebuk-do province, Korea [1]
Art Historical Context
This delicate topknot pin, dating to the 12th-13th century during Korea's Goryeo period (918-1392), exemplifies the refined metalwork of medieval Korean artisans. Crafted from bronze it served a practical yet elegant purpose: securing the traditional topk hairstyle worn by men, a cultural staple that reflected social norms and daily life in ancient Korea. Reportedly excavated in Gaeseong (modern Kaesong) in Hwanghaebuk-do province—once a key political center—this artifact offers a tangible link to Goryeo society, a time of Buddhist influence, celadon ceramics, and sophisticated craftsmanship. ...
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...