금제 봉황 무늬 장식 고려|金製 鳳凰文 裝飾 高麗|Ornament in the shape of a phoenix
Unknown Artist
About this artwork
This delicate gold ornament, shaped like a phoenix, hails from Korea's Goryeo dynasty918–1392), a golden age of Buddhist culture and refined craftsmanship. Measuring just 1 1/2 inches high and 1 1/4 inches wide, this tiny jewelry piece—likely worn as a hairpin or brooch—showcases the era's mastery of goldsmithing. Artisans employed intricate techniques to craft its form, capturing the mythical bird's graceful wings and flowing tail feathers with exquisite precision, reflecting the specialized skills passed down through generations. The phoenix, a revered symbol in East Asian lore, embodied renewal, virtue, and imperial elegance, often associated with royalty and the divine feminine. During the Goryeo period, such ornaments adorned the elite, blending spiritual symbolism with everyday luxury amid the dynasty's flourishing metalwork traditions. This piece highlights the aesthetic sophistication of Goryeo Korea, where gold's luster evoked prosperity and harmony. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1917, it now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art department, offering visitors a tangible link to a vibrant cultural heritage.