Gold-Bronze Phoenix Ornament Lock Excavated at Hwangnyongsa Site in Gyeongju

Unconfirmed Distinctive Artifact So Far
Detailed Depiction of Phoenix Scales and Wing Feathers

A gilt-bronze phoenix-decorated lock was excavated from the site of a Unified Silla building at Hwangnyongsa Temple Site (Historic Site No. 6) in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk.

The Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on the 25th that three gilt-bronze and iron locks, including a 6 cm long gilt-bronze phoenix-decorated lock, were discovered during the excavation on the west side of the west corridor of Hwangnyongsa Temple. The west side of the west corridor was where the excavation team’s office was located during the 1976?1983 excavation. It remained the only uninvestigated area. It had been vaguely assumed that there were facilities related to monks’ living quarters or temple management.

The locks were excavated along with roof tiles, pottery made from clay, earthenware, and metal artifacts. Among these, the gilt-bronze phoenix-decorated lock is evaluated as a distinctive artifact not previously identified. After being cast, the scales and wing feathers of the phoenix were intricately expressed. An official stated, "It is presumed to be a precious item made with great care," and added, "There likely was a device or facility for storing important items in this area." They also said, "If further excavation continues, the nature and function of the site will become clearer."

The Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage has been excavating the west side of the west corridor since 2018, confirming building sites, drainage channels, fence areas, and discarded tile pits. An official explained, "Since the upper layer contains Goryeo period remains and the lower layer contains Unified Silla building sites, it helps to understand the spatial composition and building arrangement trends on the outskirts of Hwangnyongsa Temple."

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