Dong-Eui University Museum Strikes Gold... Unearthing 2 'Gaya Treasures' from the 'Kingdom of Iron'

Necklace excavated from Tomb No. 322 in Yangdong-ri, Gimhae, uncovered by Dong-Eui University Museum.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The Dong-eui University Museum is celebrating after two excavated cultural relics were recently designated as national treasures.

On October 21, the Cultural Heritage Administration designated three necklaces excavated from Gaya tombs, including a necklace from Daeseong-dong Tomb No. 76, held by the Daeseong-dong Ancient Tomb Museum, as National Treasures No. 2081 to 2083.

Among the three designated items, two were excavated by the Dong-eui University Museum from the Yangdong-ri tomb cluster in Gimhae.

The crystal necklace excavated from Yangdong-ri Tomb No. 270 in Gimhae is currently preserved and exhibited at the National Gimhae Museum, and the necklace from Yangdong-ri Tomb No. 322 in Gimhae is on long-term loan and exhibited at the Dong-eui University Museum.

These two national treasures are relics that demonstrate how Gaya, the "Kingdom of Iron," formed a unique jewelry culture through its outstanding glass product processing capabilities.

The "crystal necklace excavated from Yangdong-ri Tomb No. 270 in Gimhae," excavated by the Dong-eui University Museum in 1992, is an ornament representing the ruling class of the 3rd-century Geumgwan Gaya. This necklace consists of a total of 146 crystal pieces, including 20 multifaceted crystals, 120 abacus-shaped crystals, and 6 curved crystals. The craftsmanship stands out for its intricate processing and perforation techniques, using various materials to create diverse forms.

Additionally, the wooden coffin tomb necklace excavated from Yangdong-ri Tomb No. 322 in Gimhae, investigated by the Dong-eui University Museum in 1994, is composed of a total of 574 jewels of various materials and forms, including 147 crystal curved beads, 2 large multifaceted crystals, 6 agate ring beads, and 418 blue glass ring beads.

The finely crafted crystal processing techniques and the harmonious combination of diverse colors and textures highlight the sophisticated artistic sensibility of Gaya's jewelry culture, making it a masterpiece.

Experts note that the large quantity of 147 crystal curved beads excavated collectively from the same tomb is a rare case, adding significant rarity value.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.