Revealed by archaeology as well as medieval chronicles, Silla art appears today as a living heritage at the heart of South Korea’s cultural memory. This unique presentation highlights a kingdom where, for nearly a millennium, art, spirituality and power combined to shape a culture of remarkable richness.

From the mythical origins of Silla, recounted in medieval Korean chronicles, to the fall of the kingdom, the exhibition unfolds in five thematic sections that trace the history, artistic expressions and memory of a state that was both powerful and deeply rooted in spiritual traditions. It offers a fresh perspective on this civilisation, revealing how political, religious and aesthetic dynamics intertwined to produce a legacy that has survived to this day.

Visitors will be transported back to the origins of the historic city of Gyeongju, in southeastern Korea, where they will discover the traces of a civilization whose legacy is still evident in the mountains, the immense “mountain tombs,” the temples, and modern life. It is a city whose residents are deeply committed to preserving their heritage.

From the 4th to the early 6th century, the period known as Maripgan marked a decisive stage in the affirmation of Silla’s identity with the rise of the Kim clan. Gold became the kingdom’s striking signature, a symbol of consolidated power. The treasures unearthed from the great royal tombs (gold crowns, jade ornaments, intricate jewellery, figurative sandstone) bear witness to exceptional craftsmanship and a kingdom open to trade along the routes connecting Japan, China, the steppes, Central Asia and even the Mediterranean world. Political prestige and artistic splendour merged, giving rise to a visual language of exceptional inventiveness.

For more information please head to the Musee Guimet website.

Tagged 14/04.