Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) / late 1800s
Bridal Robe (Hwarot)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Bridal Robe (Hwarot) as garment (Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) · late 1800s).
This bride's robe is made of densely embroidered silk, but its collar and sleeves are covered in thick paper.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this garment as Silk: satin weave; embroidery; paper edging on neck and sleeves.
The museum's collection notes: 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 this robe served as an important communal resource to be shared and passed down through several generations. Its collar and sleeves are covered in thic
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBridal Robe (Hwarot)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.