Knife Sheath
Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) · 1100s · Cleveland Museum of Art
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From the museum
Made by rolling a flat piece of silver plate, this knife sheath is decorated on each side with oval panels, including two larger middle panels showing an image of rising dragons with ring-punched scales. The circular upper panels bear the image of seated phoenixes. The flat bottom is engraved with a pair of fish, symbolizing harmonious unity. The trefoil-shaped ring attached to the tip of the sheath allows a string to connect it as a pendant to a belt. In medieval Korea, a miniature sheath such as this was considered an important fashion item, especially for elite members of the ruling class. This 12th-century silver-gilt knife sheath is meant to be a pendent to a belt as a luxury ornament.
The museum’s own description, in English. Licence: CC0
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Details
- Maker
- Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392)
- Date
- 1100s
- Medium
- Gilt silver (body) and brass (trefoil-shaped ring)
- Dimensions
- length: 21.7 cm (8 9/16 in.)
- Place of origin
- Korea
- Held by
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · On view · 003 Special Exhibition Hall
- Credit line
- Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Image: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0