이화여자대학교박물관

The Joseon dynasty, adopting Neo-Confucianism as its ruling principle, supported Yechi, rule by propriety, through the establishment and implementation of national rituals in accordance with the Five Rites. Dress and accessories in national ceremonies were a typical way of obeying the formalities according to rank and procedure. In that respect, ceremonial dress is seen as a comprehensive symbol of embodying the social order and world view of the time. The ceremonial dress of the Joseon dynasty changed according to a relationship with China. In the early Joseon, the dynasty embraced the clothing system of the Ming dynasty including the ceremonial attire, myeonbok, for the king, the robe, daesusam, and neck strip for the queen. However, the foundation of the Qing dynasty made the Joseon clothing system seek its identity with the development of Joseon-centrism emphasizing authenticity of the Confucian culture. Meanwhile, the royal ladies wore jeogui, the queen’s ceremonial attire modified under the influence of the Ming clothing, and dresses tailored in Joseon’s style like wonsam, hwarot, and dangui, on ceremonies like wedding and royal banquets. The patterns and colors of these dresses symbolized the virtue required for the wearers and their rank and matching accessories added authority and splendor to the ceremonies. This exhibition presents various ceremonial dresses and accessories for rituals as well as the clothing and official robes at court during late Joseon. It will allow you to take a look at ancestors’ esthetic sense of transforming the authority and significance of ceremonies into refined beauty through clothing and accessories. Besides, by appreciating diverse symbolic patterns and colors, you will gain a deeper understanding of our ancestors’ insight into the ideal human character and life on the basis of Confucian values.