Horse Rider-shaped Vessels

This room contains earthenware from the Silla kingdom, including earthenware figurines representing humans, animals and other creatures. Silla earthenware was buried in tombs to honor the souls of the dead and to wish for a peaceful afterlife.

This equine figurine has a hollow body and a spout situated under the horse’s chest from which liquid could be poured. As such, it is believed to have served as a kettle in rituals and as a burial object for a tomb.

Let’s have a closer look at it. The rider is wearing armor like a medieval knight and the horse is also decorated. The two figurines look similar but there are differences between them.

The figurine on the left is more extravagantly decorated than the other one. The horse has a flowing mane and a horn like that of a unicorn. The rider on the left is wearing armor and a conical hat, while the one the right is ringing a bell as if to lead the way.

These details indicate the different social status of the two men. The man on the left is thought to be a nobleman and the other his servant.