Bridal Robe (Hwarot)
Unknown Artist
1850–1910
Medium
Satin weave silk; silk embroidery; paper edging on neck and sleeves
Dimensions
121.9 × 186.7 cm
Classification
Garment
Department
Textiles
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
The Worcester R. Warner Collection
Accession Number
1918.549
About this artwork
This bride's robe is exquisitely embroidered with various symbols of happiness in colorful silk threads. Butterflies stand for marital happiness; the phoenix, numerous offspring; and lotus flowers and white cranes, longevity. Yet, the bridal robe does not attest to the life of luxury. To the contrary, many traces of repairs, trimmings, and patchwork reflect Joseon period women’s commitment to value neo-Confucian aesthetics of frugality and modesty. Substantial repairs and patching reveal that th...