[News Today] Baekje craftwork unearthed in Japan

[LEAD]

A rare artifact showing the sophistication of Baekje-era metal craftsmanship has been unearthed in Japan. The gilt-bronze ornaments carry the spirit and technique of Baekje, and experts say such a discovery is almost unprecedented in Japan.

[REPORT]

A cluster of ancient tombs located not far from Mount Fuji in Japan.

This is where three rusted gilt bronze objects were discovered in 2024.

Conservation assessment efforts lasting more than a year revealed what kind of relics they were.

The pieces were gilt bronze decorations on the belt worn by powerful figures of the ancient Baekje kingdom.

Intricate designs of Samsinsan Mountain, a phoenix and a dokkaebi face characterizing Baekje-era artifacts are engraved on the surface.

Fujimura Sho / Fuji cultural researcher

Given the overall proportion and shape, we concluded that it was made by the finest craftsman of Baekje.

It is estimated that the relics were made between the late sixth and early seventh century.

That was when Baekje and Japan were engaged in active exchanges.

Experts assume that the relics were too intricate for Japanese craftsmen to produce at the time.

Prof. Park Cheun-soo / Kyungpook Nat’l Univ.

Such large decorations with gorgeous patterns and well-preserved plating haven’t been excavated even in the Baekje region of Korea.

Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun reported that this is the first Baekje-era gilt bronze belt decorations excavated in Japan.

The newspaper also described it as an important craftwork proving cultural exchanges in ancient East Asia.