Earring/ornament
Three Kingdom period (57 B.C.-A.D. 676)
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
A: 9.4 × 3 cm (3 11/16 × 1 3/16 in.); B: 9.5 × 3.1 cm (3 3/4 × 1 1/4 in.)
Classification
gold
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
53196
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Gold earrings such as this one were one of the quintessential indicators of the elite class during the Three Kingdoms period (c. 57 BC–AD 676). Royals or aristocrats during this time were buried with many goods, almost invariably with earring. Based on the thickness of the uppermost rings, this set was worn by a female member, most likely hung from a separate strap around the ear. The noteworthy embellishment is the three-sided leaflets further adorned with minuscule granulation of golden grains...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...