Re-examining the Key Issues Concerning the Craftworks Uncovered from Tonggung Palace and Wŏlchi Pond in Kyŏngju

Abstract

The excavation of Wŏlchi pond in Kyŏngju has yielded numerous craftworks that offer crucial information about Silla’s crafts. However, due to damage or missing parts, it is difficult to fully understand the nature of some items. Additionally, there are some findings whose appearance and conditions at the time of discovery remain unidentifiable. Therefore, over 50 years since the initial excavation in 1975, it is necessary to re-examine the current key issues and discuss the future directions of studies concerning the discoveries from Tonggung Palace and Wŏlchi pond. Firstly, I examined specific shapes and production techniques that are only observed in the findings from Wŏlchi pond. Further, I investigated the usage, and manufacture and decorative techniques of crystals and various objects made of bone and horn produced in Kyŏngju. I proposed the correct function of the <i>Lacquered Flower-shaped Ornament</i> as a portable shrine and additionally presented the <i>Gilt-Bronze Wick Trimmer</i>, suitably made for its role, as evidence of the new culture involving candles. When further research is conducted into the uses, production techniques, and decorative designs of the items found in incomplete form, such as <i>Bamboo-shaped Ornament, Bone Fragment with Flower and Bird Design</i>, and <i>Lacquered Plate with Flower and Foliage Design</i>, we may be able to understand more aspects of the craft culture of Unified Silla. Furthermore, the recovered items from Wŏlchi pond exhibiting various designs, such as birds holding flowers in their beaks (<i>hamjomun</i>), flower medallions (<i>bosanghwamun</i>), and rows of beads (<i>yeonjumun</i>), provide evidence that Unified Silla shared a common decorative trend with Tang China and Nara Japan. Tonggung palace and Wŏlchi pond are valuable resources for the history of decorative patterns in Korea.