Busosanseong: Nimbus of a Bodhisattva

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Buyeo; Baekje period

This nimbus was excavated in 1988 from the hill fort site of Busosanseong in Buyeo. It consists of two gilt bronze discs joined together around the circumference. The front disc is formed of gilt bronze openwork with various floral designs. The solid back piece is engraved with the name of the donor. In the center of the nimbus, there is a small eyelet used to connect it to the Bodhisattva figure. The center is decorated with a six-petal lotus surrounded by a narrow band of circular jewels, followed by a wide band of scrolling honeysuckle. On the rim, there is another narrow band of circular jewels. The six lotus petals are exquisitely designed with three-dimensional details and slightly raised tips. The honeysuckle is enlivened with incised dots. Such meticulous technique and sophisticated patterns are unique among extant nimbuses of the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE).