"Cheonma" Painting Returns to Public Display After Nine Years
Key Highlights :
The Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, South Korea, recently marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Cheonma Tomb by holding a special exhibition, titled "Return of Cheonma," which featured a painting of a mythical winged horse-like creature in Korean folklore. The painting, believed to date back to the fifth to sixth century, is known as the "Cheonma" painting and is considered a national treasure due to its well-preserved condition.
The painting, which was last seen by the public in 2014, was created on a saddle flap made of white birch tree bark and depicts the Cheonma creature, which is believed to connect heaven and earth, traveling between the two domains. The painting will be on display for a limited time, from May 4 to June 11, due to its fragility.
The exhibition also includes a second painting, also titled "Cheonma," which was discovered alongside the well-known national treasure. This painting will be displayed from June 12 to July 16. Additionally, the exhibition features photographs of various artifacts taken by photographer Gu Bon-chang, as well as stunning gold artifacts excavated from the tomb.
The Cheonma Tomb was discovered in April of 1973 and over 10,000 artifacts, including four national treasures and six treasures, were unearthed during the excavation process. The tomb is believed to belong to a royal family from the Silla Kingdom, which existed from B.C. 57 to A.D. 935.
The Cheonma painting is a unique and beautiful piece of art that is steeped in Korean history and culture. The painting's return to public display is a special occasion that allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the painting and learn about the culture of the Silla Kingdom. The special exhibition at the Gyeongju National Museum is a great opportunity to experience a part of Korean history and culture that is rarely seen.
