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Cultural exchange between Korea and Persia goes back more than a thousand years. Some historians say through the Silk Road, Muslim traders put the name, Shilla, Korea's ancient dynasty, on the world map.
To open a window into this intriguing past, the National Museum of Korea is hosting an exhibit of Persian artifacts. "Glory of Persia" showcases the history of Persia over a span of twelve centuries when it was one of the world's biggest empires.
Shilla-period artifacts such as pottery and daggers show Persian influences in the form of artistic techniques derived from the Middle Eastern empire. The exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into this little-known corner of Korea's past.
Experts say the exhibit stands out for showing priceless artifacts such as a cup in the shape of a winged lion that dates to 500 BC and is regarded as a world treasure. According to curators it took three years from start to finish to arrange all the relics here from Iran.
At the exhibit which runs through August, visitors can gaze at centuries-old artifacts from the Sassanid Empire, the most influential period of Iran which touched the civilizations of Rome and beyond to Western Europe, Africa, China and Korea.
Arirang News
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