Long Armrest

Jangchim, or long armrest, is bedding on which the user could rest on one elbow and lean against it while sitting. It is classified as a pillow like sabangchim, or cubical pillow, yet its purpose is different from that of ordinary pillows. The user would set up a folding screen on a warm spot in the main room or guest room, lay down a mattress, sit down on it and lean against the cushion with an elbow on the armrest. The armrest was stuffed with cotton to make it soft and comfortable. Letters meaning good luck such as “壽” or “福” or auspicious symbols were often embroidered on the armrest. The overall form of the armrest shown here is cuboid with longer width. Patches woven with sedge are attached to the center of each side of the cuboid, and the edges and corners are covered with blue Chinese silk. On the four long sides are the Seven Treasures motif, with the bat design decorating both sides symbolizing good fortune. The four corners and both ends are decorated with silk patches around the Seven Treasures motif.