The Three Kingdoms period (ca. 300–668) denotes an era when the Korean peninsula was actually divided into four kingdoms. Koguryo encompassed the northern two-thirds of the peninsula, including the area around present-day Seoul. The other three kingdoms were in the southern third of the peninsula: Paekche, in the southwest; Kaya, in the Naktong river valley in the southeast; and Silla, in the east. Throughout this period, ceramic vessels, whether of Korean or Chinese manufacture, counted among the important furnishings for tombs, to provide for a comfortable afterlife, as well as for everyday use.

Many Silla ceramics share characteristics seen in metalwork of the period. Bell cups contain clay pellets inside a hollowed out portion of the vessel that make sound when the cup is rattled. Also, the decorative ornaments on this cup echo the dangling ornaments seen on royal Silla crowns, earrings, and belts made of gold.