Gilt-bronze Candlesticks with Inlaid Crystal Ornaments

• Complete — mid-8th century • Location — Leeum Museum of Art

The gilt-bronze candlestick with crystal ornaments was produced in the 8th century during the Northern and Southern States period, when Unified Silla and Balhae coexisted in the south and north of the peninsula. Standing 36.8 cm in height with a base diameter of 21.5 cm, these twin artifacts represent the pinnacle of aristocratic metal craft from the late Unified Silla era.

Although the exact excavation site and provenance remain unknown, structural similarities between these candlesticks and late-Unified Silla stone lanterns indicate they were created between the mid-8th and 10th centuries. During the Three Kingdoms of Korea period, the indoor lighting primarily relied on oil lamps. The emergence of wax candles led to the production of specialized candlesticks, making this pair a rare surviving example of Unified Silla metalwork dedicated to candle illumination. However, wax candles were only used by the royal court, aristocracy, and certain religion-related classes because it was difficult to obtain the material, suggesting they were commissioned for royal court ceremonies or high-ranking Buddhist rituals.