Earthenware Shoe-shaped Funerary Objects

The Earthenware Shoe-shaped Funerary Objects are earthenware pieces 23.5 cm long and 6.8-7.2 cm wide. Like the metal ornamental shoes found in tombs of the Three Kingdoms period, these are burial vessels placed with the deceased at interment, but their form is entirely different. At the front, the toe curves sharply upward, while the sides and back stand vertically. The sole is flat with no heel, and a ridge is formed at the top of the back to keep the shoe from slipping off. There is a small hole behind the toe of each shoe, and on the sides there are four holes on one shoe and five on the other, allowing a cord to be attached. Running from above the side holes to the toe, a dotted line is lightly incised: a diagonal pattern on one shoe and a pattern resembling fish bones on the other. Unlike the metal shoes excavated from the Tomb of King Muryeong, these shoes are notable for faithfully reproducing footwear that was actually worn at the time. Although the findspot is not clearly recorded, they are outstanding examples of earthenware footwear and important artefacts for revealing aspects of ancient burial culture.

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Where it is

Region

Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물