Dragon-Openwork Trappings from Korea
The Gilt Bronze Horse Trappings Excavated from the Saitobaru Tumuli, Hyuga Province (日向国西都原古墳出土金銅馬具類) is gilt bronze horse trappings of the Kofun period excavated from the Saitobaru tomb group in Miyazaki Prefecture, held by the Gotoh Museum in Kaminoge, Setagaya City, Tokyo, which in 1956 were designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one set, first designated under the old system in 1935, including saddle fittings, openwork and plain pendants, strap junctions, bit cheek-pieces and buckles.
The Gotoh Museum dates them to sixth-century Silla in the Three Kingdoms period of Korea.
The Trappings
According to the Gotoh Museum, the Saitobaru tomb group in Saito City, Miyazaki, comprises more than 300 tombs of the fifth and sixth centuries. The trappings are said to come from one of the Hyakutsukabaru tombs, though details are unknown.
The set, lacking only the stirrups, comprises saddle fittings, cheek-pieces, pendants, strap junctions and ornaments, unified in a dragon openwork design and extremely finely made.
What to Look For
The museum considers them imports from the continent; many Silla tombs in the Three Kingdoms period contain gilt bronze openwork trappings of this kind.
Shining gold, such trappings adorned horses for ceremonies and were symbols of ancient power.
Visiting the Gilt Bronze Horse Trappings Excavated from the Saitobaru Tumuli, Hyuga Province
The trappings are held by the Gotoh Museum and are not always on display; check the museum's schedule.
Q&A
- When were they designated a National Treasure?
- On 28 June 1956.
- Where were they found?
- Reportedly in one of the Hyakutsukabaru tombs at Saitobaru.
- What is their design?
- A unified dragon openwork design, extremely finely made.
- Where were they made?
- In sixth-century Silla, according to the museum.
- What were they for?
- Adorning horses for ceremonies, as symbols of power.
Basic Information
| Name | Gilt Bronze Horse Trappings Excavated from the Saitobaru Tumuli, Hyuga Province (日向国西都原古墳出土金銅馬具類) |
|---|---|
| Location | Gotoh Museum, 3-9-25 Kaminoge, Setagaya City, Tokyo |
| Designation | National Treasure (archaeological materials) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1956/6/28 (Showa 31); earlier designation 1935/4/30 |
| Quantity | One set |
| Dimensions | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Owner | Gotoh Museum |
| Public Access | Check display with the museum |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Saitobaru Horse Trappings (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/853
- Gotoh Museum: Saitobaru Horse Trappings (Japanese)
- https://www.gotoh-museum.or.jp/2020/10/19/06-001/
Last verified: 2026.09.30