Unknown Artist
This wedding gown is exquisitely embroidered in colorful silk threads with various symbols of happiness. Butterflies stand for marital happiness; the phoenix, numerous offspring; and lotus flowers and white cranes, longevity. Yet, the bridal gown does not attest to the life of luxury. To the contrary, many traces of repairs, trimmings, and patchwork, reflect Joseon (a period in Korean history, 1392-1897) women’s commitment to value neo-Confucian aesthetics of frugality and modesty.
Substantial repairs and patching reveal that this gown served as an important communal resource to be shared and passed down through several generations. Only its collar and sleeves, which are made of thick paper, are replaced with new ones, while the robe was reused for decades.
We present today's beautiful work thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Art. :)