Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) / 1100s
Knife Sheath
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Knife Sheath as metalwork (Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) · 1100s).
This 12th-century silver-gilt knife sheath is meant to be a pendent to a belt as a luxury ornament.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this metalwork as Gilt silver (body) and brass (trefoil-shaped ring).
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtKnife SheathOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.