By the fourth century, the Korean peninsula was divided among three kingdoms: Koguryo in the north, Paekche in the southwest, and Silla in the southeast. A fourth political entity, the Kaya Federation, was composed of city-states situated between Silla and Paekche. In each of these city-states, the royalty and the aristocracy created a demand for luxury goods, which were symbols of power and political authority.

Burial sites in the ancient territory of Silla have yielded the largest quantity of such objects, including jewelry and weapons made of pure gold and other precious materials. The contents of Silla tombs have remained intact due to the relatively impenetrable tomb structure, which was constructed of wood, sealed with clay, and covered with mounds of stones and earth.

The motif of intertwined dragons on the gold hilt with pommel, dating from the fifth to the sixth century, reflects Central Asian and Siberian influences. Silla, due to its relatively isolated location on the southeastern coast, did not have diplomatic contacts with China until the latter part of the sixth century. It therefore preserved Central Asian and Siberian influences in its art, whereas Koguryo and Paekche readily embraced new trends from the mainland.