The Technology and the Provenance Study on Gilt-Copper Crown Excavated from Tomb No.63 of the Ancient Tumuli in Gyo-dong/Songhyeon-dong, Changnyeong

A gilt-copper crown excavated from Tomb No.63 of the ancient Gaya Tumuli in Changnyeong, South Korea, reveals sophisticated metallurgical techniques and regional material sourcing practices. Analysis confirmed the crown was made of unalloyed copper with gold and silver plating applied using the mercury amalgam method, a rare technique for this period. The gilded surface's red and yellow hues suggest variations in manufacturing processes, such as thickness and heat treatment. Crucially, the copper raw material originated from Zone 3 (Jeolla-do, Chungcheong-do, or northern Gyeongsang-do), distinct from the excavation site in Changnyeong. This indicates long-distance trade or material exchange, challenging assumptions about localized craftsmanship in ancient Korea.

Han, W. R., Kwon, J. H., Park, J. Y., & Kim, S. J. (2022). The Technology and the Provenance Study on Gilt-Copper Crown Excavated from Tomb No.63 of the Ancient Tumuli in Gyo-dong/Songhyeon-dong, Changnyeong. Journal of Conservation Science, 38(6), 576–594. https://doi.org/10.12654/jcs.2022.38.6.02