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| ▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows the gilt-bronze crown excavation status from tomb No. 120-2 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean researchers have, for the first time, discovered decorations made from jewel beetle wings on a gilt-bronze crown from the Silla Kingdom, the Korea Heritage Service said Wednesday.
The rare find was made during the restoration of a crown excavated from Tomb No. 120-2 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, a royal burial site dating back to the 5th–6th century.
This marks the first time such embellishment has been identified on a Silla crown or gilt-bronze headpiece, although jewel beetle wings have previously been found on horse trappings and belts from the era.
The iridescent beetles—regarded as the most beautiful among Korea’s native insects—have historically been considered luxurious due to their vivid green or brown hues. Their presence has previously been noted only in the most elite tombs, including Hwangnamdaechong and Geumgwanchong.
The newly discovered crown features three tree-like finials and two antler-shaped ornaments attached to a rounded base band. Researchers found 15 jewel beetle wings in total, some still intact on the crown and others detached.
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| ▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows the Diagram of the gilt-bronze crown and locations of jewel beetle wing decorations. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Of the seven wings still affixed to the crown, some were layered in sets of three, while others appeared individually. Though most have faded over time, traces of the original color remain visible.
“This is the first known case of a Silla-period crown or gilt-bronze headpiece decorated with holes filled by beetle wings,” said Kim Kwon-il, curator at the Silla Cultural Heritage Research Institute, who led the excavation. “It sheds new light on the decorative techniques and craftsmanship of Silla artisans.”
Experts believe such elaborate adornment signified social status as well as aesthetic sensibilities, reinforcing the notion that tree-shaped finials were reserved for Silla royalty.
The Korea Heritage Service emphasized the significance of the discovery, saying, “These decorations are not only artistically notable but also provide insight into the relationship between Silla’s elite culture and its advanced craftwork.”
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| ▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows a jewel beetle, a state-designated natural monument. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The tomb where the crown was found—Tomb No. 120-2—is located south of Tomb No. 120 within the Daereungwon area of Gyeongju. The tomb had remained largely unknown after being damaged during the Japanese colonial period, but renewed investigations since 2018 led to the rediscovery of tombs 120-1 and 120-2.
The three tombs are believed to date back around 1,500 years. Based on the elaborate accessories found, scholars speculate the owner of Tomb 120-2 was a high-status female. Last year, analysis of teeth found in the tomb indicated the deceased was a girl aged between 12 and 15, and that a child around age 3 was interred beside her, likely as part of a sacrificial burial.
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