1980-1990s

Woman's Ceremonial Ensemble: Robe, Skirt, and Sash

Korean, 1930 - 2007

The making of hanbok (traditional Korean dress) presented Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) women with an opportunity to experiment with color, design, and embellishment. Specific colors and motifs indicated rank; here, the use of green and Chinese characters indicates that this ensemble is for a princess. Initially only royalty had access to elaborate clothing, but later in the dynasty commoners were permitted to wear such attire at their weddings. The gold stamp decoration, however, was reserved for the royal family. This contemporary reproduction was created by master seamstress Choi Bok-hee, but during the Joseon period it likely would have been made by a palace seamstress.