Goguryeo-era golden seal sold for record price in Hong Kong auction

A Goguryeo-era golden seal featuring a horse-shaped knob fetches HK$10.8 million at China Guardian's Hong Kong auction, Sunday. Courtesy of China Guardian

A golden seal, believed to date back to Korea's ancient Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.E.-668 C.E.), fetched an astounding HK$10.8 million (2.04 billion won or $1.39 million) at a major Hong Kong auction. This amount far surpassed its presale estimate by more than nine times, setting a new record for the price of ancient seals.

The golden seal with a horse-shaped knob was auctioned at China Guardian's Hong Kong 2025 spring sale, titled Important Private Asian Collection of Ancient Seals and Bronzes, on Sunday. Initially, its estimated price ranged between $153,800 and $282,100, yet it ultimately garnered a much higher final bid.

The relic, standing 2.8 centimeters tall and weighing just 88 grams, bears a Chinese inscription that reads, “Marquis of Guiyi of Goguryeo, conferred by the Jin Dynasty."

According to Park Dae-jae, a professor of Korean history at Korea University, this wording indicates that the Jin Dynasty of China likely used the bestowal of official seals as a diplomatic strategy to win over or solidify ties with neighboring states such as Goguryeo, offering insight into the political and diplomatic dynamics of early East Asia.

While the record-breaking sale drew excitement, it has also raised concerns within academic circles. Professor Park expressed mixed feelings in response to the outcome.

“From what I understand, some Korean institutions have shown interest in the piece. But they couldn't actively participate in the auction due to the high price and questions surrounding its authenticity," Park said.

"Nevertheless, this is the first known gold seal associated with Goguryeo and it may prompt more such artifacts to surface in the art market or at future auctions.”

Park noted that, if genuine, this artifact is invaluable in helping us understand ancient diplomatic relations between Korea and China.

"I only wish scholars could study it more closely. But if it has gone into the hands of a private collector — and from what I know, the buyer is not Korean — that opportunity may be lost," he said.