Baekje Gold Crown Ornament

Baekje Gold Crown Ornament

1. What Is the Baekje Gold Crown Ornament?

The gold crown ornament from Baekje is a decorative piece used to embellish royal headwear. Two ornaments each for the king and queen were discovered in the tomb of King Muryeong, a royal burial site of Baekje.

These ornaments are exquisitely crafted, with pierced gold plates shaped to resemble blazing flames. It’s believed that the king and queen hung these ornaments from silk hats to express their dignity and authority.

The craftsmanship of these ornaments reveals Baekje’s exceptional metalworking skills. They have been designated as National Treasures of Korea.

2. Which Ornament Is More Elaborate—The King’s or the Queen’s?

Let’s first look at King Muryeong’s gold crown ornament. At first glance, the patterns on the left and right sides appear identical, but in fact, they are subtly different in design. On the front, small round gold beads are suspended with golden threads.

Now, let’s examine the queen’s ornament. It features a lotus base supporting a vase-like structure, with flame-like shapes rising above. Unlike the king’s ornament, the left and right sides face each other symmetrically, and it does not include bead decorations.

Overall, the king’s ornament is more ornate and richly adorned than the queen’s.

3. What Does the Baekje Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner Look Like?

The Baekje gilt-bronze incense burner is one of the finest examples of Baekje’s sophisticated metal craftsmanship. It was discovered by chance in 1993 during an excavation to expand the parking lot near the Neungsan-ri tombs in Buyeo.

The burner stands 61.8 centimeters tall and weighs 11.8 kilograms. What astonished people most was the intricate and refined artistry.

It consists of four parts: a phoenix-shaped finial, a lid, a body, and a base. Each part was cast in bronze and then assembled and gilded. A vividly sculpted dragon supports the entire structure, and lotus petals decorate the body.

The lid features large and small mountain peaks, with figures and animals carved between them. At the very top, a phoenix spreads its wings as if ready to take flight.

In 1996, the Baekje gilt-bronze incense burner was designated as National Treasure No. 287.

4. What Color Did Baekje Kings Wear?

In historical dramas, kings often appear in dazzling, ornate robes. But what color did Baekje kings actually wear?

Red? Blue? Yellow? No—it was purple.

Today, anyone can choose to wear any color they like. But in ancient times, clothing color was strictly regulated and reflected one’s social status. Purple, in particular, was considered the royal color and could not be worn by just anyone.

In Baekje, only the king and high-ranking officials were permitted to wear purple robes. Imagine a Baekje king dressed in a regal purple robe, wearing a silk hat adorned with gold crown ornaments—it must have been a truly majestic sight.

5. Glossary

• Exquisite (정교): Describes craftsmanship or technique that is precise and detailed.

• Gilding (도금): The process of applying a thin layer of metal, such as gold, to a surface.

• Dignity (위엄): A noble and solemn presence that commands respect.