Smile of Silla

AsiaEast AsiaKoreaArchitectureMedievalAll Videos
Written By AQ

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

National Treasure of Korea

This video explores the iconic “Smile of Silla,” a roof-end tile dating to the 7th century and designated a National Treasure in South Korea. The tile was found at an ancient Buddhist temple site, founded by a Silla queen in the 7th century. We discuss the function of roof-end tiles and the significance of their decoration.

Smile of Silla, Unified Silla, 7th century, clay, 11.5 centimeters in diameter, from Yeongmyo Temple, Gyeongju, South Korea. Gyeongju National Museum. Photo © Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

Video chapters

0:00 Introduction 00:14 What is a roof-end tile? 00:54 The origins of the “Smile of Silla” 01:44 How the smile roof-end tile was made and its possible meaning

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