Since ancient society, each ethnic group throughout the world has been including
its own unique culture and characteristics in its traditional patterns. In the case of
countries of the East such as Korea and Japan, jangsaeng (longevity) pattern in
...
Since ancient society, each ethnic group throughout the world has been including
its own unique culture and characteristics in its traditional patterns. In the case of
countries of the East such as Korea and Japan, jangsaeng (longevity) pattern in
particular has been frequently used. The jangsaeng pattern appeared based on the
common desire to maintain one’s health & youth and live long.
As countries of the same Chinese character cultural region as China, Korea and
Japan embraced the Taoist ideology from the influence of China. In the case of
Korea, the Taoist ideology came from China during the era of the Three States.
The jangsaeng ideology intensified due to the war and hardships of life during the
Goryeo Dynasty era and the jangsaeng patter was commonly used during the
Joseon Dynasty era. In the case of Japan, the Taoist ideology of the Tang Dynasty
and the Buddhist culture of Baekje that were embraced during the Nara era
influenced its clothes. In addition, the jangsaeng pattern evolved upon being
combined with its own folk & nature beliefs.
This study aimed to comparatively examine the jangsaeng pattern shown in
women’s costumes during the same eras of the Joseon Dynasty and the Edo
periods focusing on women’s costumes that frequently use patterns. Accordingly,
this study reviewed the respective backgrounds of time of both countries and their
women’s costumes. In addition, it comparatively analyzed their respective
backgrounds of the origin of jangsaeng pattern, as well as the shapes, colors,
compositions and expression techniques shown in women’s costumes.
The findings of the jangsaeng pattern of modern Korean & Japanese women’s
costumes are as follow.
First, the shapes were divided into realistic, schematized and simplified shapes.
During the Joseon Dynasty period, realistic and schematized shapes mainly
appeared in stylistic compositions and similar patterns were used for formal
costumes. While the Kouge formal costumes during the Edo era appeared in the
standardized and schematized shapes, the pattern of Buke formal costumes
appeared in very realistic shapes that were also freely used in various ways
without any set style.
Second, in regards to the colors, five cardinal colors and compound colors
frequently appeared respectively during the Joseon Dynasty and Edo periods.
During the Joseon Dynasty period, primary colors centering on five-element colors, which are namely white, black, yellow, red and blue based on Yin-Yang and the
Five Elements theory, were frequently used along with gold leaf and golden
brocade for elegant and beautiful appearances. During the Edo period, various
tones of colors such as primary & secondary colors were used for varied and
splendid appearances.
Third, the jangsaeng pattern was applied throughout costumes & accessories or
partially during the Joseon Dynasty era, whereas it mostly appeared throughout
costumes during the Edo period. While the composition of regular and consistent
arrangement or symmetry frequently appeared during the Joseon Dynasty era, the
asymmetric composition frequently appeared during the Edo period. It is thought
that its reason was because of the restriction of costumes according to the
costumes system during the Joseon Dynasty era, while costumes during the Edo
period were freely expressed and adorned like a piece of painting.
Fourth, various techniques were used for adornment during the Edo period than
the Joseon Dynasty era. During the Joseon Dynasty era, the jangsaeng pattern was
mostly adorned through embroidery or gold leaf. After embroidering the entire
pattern or in different colors by dividing it into various parts, each edge was
sparsely embroidered in gold thread. During the Edo period, on the other hand,
various techniques were used for adornment such as dyeing or embroidering based
on weaving or applying gold leaf. It is thought that this study that comparatively
examined the jangsaeng pattern of the same periods of Joseon Dynasty and Edo
eras will be helpful in understanding the pattern change according to the
respective cultures and social background of Korea and Japan. It is also thought
that this study will be helpful for design by not only understanding the originality
of respective patterns of the two countries but also developing traditional patterns
based on the jangsaeng patterns preferred by the two countries.