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Research Article

A Study on Gilt-Bronze Mandorlas of the 6th Century in the Three Kingdoms Period

성윤길

국립나주문화재연구소

Published: March 2013 · No. 277 · pp. 5-40

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31065/ahak.277.277.201303.001

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Abstract

This study is focused on some halos of gilt-bronze Buddha statues made during the Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C. - 668) which have been subjects of controversy regarding their origin and production years. There are currently nine gilt-bronze halos of the 6th century remaining today, each exhibiting a characteristic element in style. The principle motif, flame, of these halos was marked by the shape of fern in the early 6th century which gradually changed to U shapes. As for those made in Goguryeo, a design of horizontal lines provides a distinctive feature, helping find their origin. One remaining Goguryeo relic, the Gilt-bronze Halo Inscribed with the 5th Geonheung Year, for instance, displays a form reflecting an influence from China in an earlier period with an inscription suggesting that it was made in 536 rather than 596. As for Baekje relics, holes made along the edges as well as the flame design of a recently discovered glit-bronze halo in Gwanbuk-ri of Buyeo lead scholars believe that it was made under the influence from the Northern Dynasties to have been made in the first half of the 6th century.
Keywords: 금동광배(gilt-bronze halo)화염문(flame design)수평선문(design with horizontal lines)산동성(Shandong Province)금동건흥5년명광배(Gilt-bronze Halo Inscribed with the 5th Geonheung Year)관북리 출토 금동광배(Gilt-bronze Halo of the Gwanbungni Site)금동갑인년왕연손명광배(Gilt-bronze Halo Inscribed with the Gabin Year and Wang Son Myeong)