Craftworks of Baekje

[Narration]
These relics are crafted objects excavated from the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong in Gongju, which was the former capital of Baekje.

[Tourist]
Were they found inside the tomb?

[Narration]
Yes, they were. The custom of the time was to bury treasure in tombs along with the dead, so these ancient tombs were like treasure houses. But they also attracted many grave robbers. The Royal Tomb of King Muryeong is the only tomb of a Baekje king to have been found undisturbed. It was excavated in 1971.

[Tourist]
Oh, what was inside it, then?

[Narration]
It was full of amazing relics representing splendid culture of Baekje. There were stone animal figurines designed to serve as tomb guardians, and gold crowns and accessories belonging to the king and queen.

The ornament displayed here was designed to adorn the king’s gold cap. The decorative design was punched into the gold plates and they were then attached to each side of the gold cap.

[Tourist]
It looks like a small fan with flame motif.

[Narration]
Yes, it is. But if you look at it closely you will also see a vase of flowers in the middle, and twisting leaves and vines. Besides these gold cap ornaments, earrings, necklaces and many other accessories for decorating the coffin were found. Most of them were made out of glass, jade and gold. Some of them were extravagant, while others were simply and elegantly designed. Many other delicate relics were excavated from the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong, further demonstrating the advanced craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of the Baekje people. They are now kept in the Gongju National Museum.