SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - A glittery gold-plated replica of an ancient crown was among the lavish gifts showered to U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju this week.
The eye-catching replica, symbolizing the summit's venue, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that flourished for over 1,000 years, was specially crafted by veteran artisan Kim Jin-bae in the historic city, North Gyeongsang Province.
The original crown, along with many artifacts and relics, was unearthed long ago from Cheonmachong, a tomb in the province believed to be the burial site of kings, queens and other high-ranking nobles.
The crown, weighing roughly 1.3 kilograms and standing 32.5 cm tall, features three leaf-shaped vertical ornaments and two deer antler-shaped decorations on its headband.
For those who want to learn about the royal crown along with its symbolic power and prestige, a special exhibition on the occasion of the summit is being held until Dec. 14 at the Gyeongju National Museum.
Located in Daereungwon, a complex of Silla-era tombs in the province, Cheonmachong measures 47 meters in diameter and 12.7 meters in height, though its occupant remains unknown.
Around 11,297 artifacts were unearthed from the tomb in 1973 including Cheonmado, a painting on birch bark depicting a pure-white heavenly horse ascending into the sky, which has been designated as a national treasure.
Visitors to the tomb are allowed to look around its restored interior.
The eye-catching replica, symbolizing the summit's venue, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla that flourished for over 1,000 years, was specially crafted by veteran artisan Kim Jin-bae in the historic city, North Gyeongsang Province.
The original crown, along with many artifacts and relics, was unearthed long ago from Cheonmachong, a tomb in the province believed to be the burial site of kings, queens and other high-ranking nobles.
The crown, weighing roughly 1.3 kilograms and standing 32.5 cm tall, features three leaf-shaped vertical ornaments and two deer antler-shaped decorations on its headband.
For those who want to learn about the royal crown along with its symbolic power and prestige, a special exhibition on the occasion of the summit is being held until Dec. 14 at the Gyeongju National Museum.
Located in Daereungwon, a complex of Silla-era tombs in the province, Cheonmachong measures 47 meters in diameter and 12.7 meters in height, though its occupant remains unknown.
Around 11,297 artifacts were unearthed from the tomb in 1973 including Cheonmado, a painting on birch bark depicting a pure-white heavenly horse ascending into the sky, which has been designated as a national treasure.
Visitors to the tomb are allowed to look around its restored interior.
reporter
Cho Bo-hee
jobo@ajunews.com
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