Metal workmanship was highly developed in Koguryo which was the first feudal state that existed in the Korean history between 277 BC and AD 668.
The “Transfixed Gilt-Bronze Decoration of the Sun Pattern” and the “Transfixed Gilt-Bronze Crown of Spark Pattern” are typical metalworks of Koguryo which were transfixed on copper sheets and gilt.
Ho Kum Hyok, researcher of the Archeological Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences, says: “The Transfixed Gilt-Bronze Decoration of the Sun Pattern is a metalwork of the Koguryo Dynasty which was unearthed in Jinphari Tomb No. 7 in Ryongsan-ri, Ryokpho District, Pyongyang City. This relic consists of the transfixed three-legged crow symbolizing the sun, bird and flying cloud patterns laid on wood-block covered with wing of beetle. It shows well the delicate and elaborate workmanship and artistic talents of the people of that time and the high development of metal transfixion during the Koguryo Dynasty.”
The “Transfixed Gilt-Bronze Decoration of the Sun Pattern” with elaborate and delicate patterns shows the vivacious and liberal spirit of the Koguryo people.
The “Transfixed Gilt-Bronze Crown of Spark Pattern” has a frame with nine transfixed spark patterns on it, of which five spark strings are double-folded in the front and the back, giving a three-dimensional vividness.
The upper parts of the sparks are gradually twisted to represent fierce flames very vividly. In the front there are millet grain-sized dot patterns to give diverse delicate effects.
The gilt which has not changed for one thousand and hundreds of years even underground and the subtle effects to make the lifelike sparks clearly show the high development and delicacy of the workmanship of that time.
These metalworks with seasoned and vigorous design and composition and delicate and precision transfixion fully show the high artistic talents and metalworking technology of the Koguryo people.
