Gilt-bronze Halo

[Narration]
What do you think the gilt-bronze round artifact in front of you is?

[Tourist]
Could it be a gilt-bronze dinner plate that was used by the King of Baekje?

[Narration]
Remember that this is the Buddhist art collection. This is a symbol of the light of Buddha. It was used to depict the golden circle of light emanating from behind the Buddha’s head.

[Tourist]
Ah, now I see. Jesus and the Virgin Mary are also often depicted with similar circles behind their heads.

[Narration]
Yes, that’s right. The light is a halo, or nimbus, and it represents the divinity of great figures. This beautiful decoration was discovered in the year 2000 on the former site of a temple.

[Tourist]
I see. But where is the statue of Buddha it belonged to?

[Narration]
Unfortunately, the actual Buddha was never found - only this decoration remains. However, from this piece alone, we can appreciate the extravagance and grandeur of Baekje Buddhist art.

This gilt-bronze halo was adorned with patterns created using chisels and saws. The front part was created with lotus flower patterns and a second metal plate was attached to the back. Can you see the square hole in the middle of the halo?

[Tourist]
Yes, was the hole used to attach the circle to the Buddha statue's head?

[Narration]
Yes, that’s right. The front of the gilt-bronze halo is patterned with lotus flowers, the symbol of Buddhism. Behind those, fields of grass are depicted, creating the illusion of movement. Considering the splendor of the halo alone, can you even begin to imagine how splendid the statue of Buddha itself must have been?