Horse-and-Rider Shaped Vessels

Also called: Pottery horse rider

A pair of Silla pottery vessels in the shape of mounted riders, found in the Geumnyeongchong tomb in Gyeongju — pouring vessels that show Silla horse gear and dress.

Found in 1924 in Geumnyeongchong, Gyeongju, the pair shows a richly dressed master and a plainer servant, each on horseback. Liquid poured into a funnel on the horse’s rump flows out of a spout at its chest, so the figures served as ewers. They are thought to be grave goods meant to carry the soul of the dead to the afterlife.

Saddle, stirrups, mudguards, hats and clothing are shown in detail, documenting Silla horse culture. They are a National Treasure in the National Museum of Korea.