By Sookmyung Women’s University Museum
Sookmyung Women's University Museum
Embroidery and Sewing
Embroidery and sewing are the representing craft arts of women. Both embroidery and sewing have developed along with textiles and, of course, both use needles, but in different roles. Embroidery is ornamentation whereas sewing is a vital skill if you need to make clothes and other useful items out of textile. Embroidery decorates life with beauty, such as wedding items, daily life items, children's clothes and women's everyday lives. This exhibition focuses on embroidery and sewing which 'decorated' women's lives.
Woman's Wedding Robe (Hwarot) (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
Wedding Items
Phoenix patterns is symbols of high rank that elevate the bride as a queen on her wedding day.
Multi-colored and Peony Designs
Lotus Flower Designs
Wrapping Cloth for Engagement (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is the wrapping cloth for a bridegroom to put the paper in it that has the hour, date and year of his birth. He sends this to the bride's family prior to wedding. The wrapping cloth is made of red and blue silk based on the principle of red and blue.
Box Wrapper for Wedding Ceremony (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is the wrapper for the box in which a bridegroom sends the wedding jewelry to a bride.
The wrapper is embroidered with floral patterns (草花文); a pair of phoenixes, all of which are the yearnings for a happy marriage.
Wrapping Cloth for Wrapping the Wooden Wild Goose Used During Wedding Ceremony (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is a wrapping cloth that was used to wrapping the wooden wild geese that are taken by the husband’s side of the family after a wedding ceremony. This particular wrapping cloth is red on the outside and navy on the inside.
Embroidered Key Holder (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This type of key holder was used to drive away evil spirits, rather than for practical uses. It was given to a daughter when marrying her off, so it also had an ornamental purpose.
This particular key holder was embroidered with exquisite bird and flower designs and a tassel.
Socks (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is a pair of quilted socks embroidered with floral patterns.
Child's Hand-quilted Jacket (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
The jacket shows the dedication and skill of women of the past. The quilt was done in broad-stitching, inside and out. This jacket was hemmed from the outside to protect the skin of a child, showing the affection of mothers for the children.
It is the hat for children aged 4 to 5, it’s decorated with designs and letters yearning for blessing and fertility.
Baby's Hat_detail (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
Hair Ribbon for Baby's Hat (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is a hat that was decorated with a hair ribbon was placed on the back.
Pouch (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
Pouches were used by men and women of all ages, regardless of their class. Pouches were made of silk or cotton. Knots were made in the shape of a butterfly, bee, dragonfly or plum, and the main pattern was a symbol of wealth or a symbol of longevity. The peony design symbolizes wealth with its abundant and splendid beauty.
Pendant with Incense Pouch (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
Ruler with Ox-horn Decoration and Bamboo Ruler (Korea, 19th century) by UnknownSookmyung Women’s University Museum
In the hwagak technique, ox horn is flattened to create paper-thin sheet. Ruler with ox-horn decoration (hwagak) is a sewing tool that women can appreciate, with its beautiful appearance created by the graduations marked in patterns. Hwagak in splendid color tones are seen on both sides of the ruler.
Bamboo tuner is a ruler made by attaching two bamboo pieces together. One end is sharp and in the shape of a loop, through which the toe of a beoseon sock is to be pulled out.
Embroidery and Sewing; Women's Education in the Modern Period
Embroidery and sewing played an important role in women's education in the modern period. During the 1940s, for example, embroidery and sewing were the main majors of the Sookmyung Women's College. Embroidery shows the unique technique and creativity different in designs and contest from those of western civilization and culture.
The 120 Types of Embroidery Patterns (Korea, 1931) by Jeon Myeong-jaSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is the work by Prof. Jeong Myeong-ja of Sookmyung Women's Collage. She produced this graduation work when she graduated from school in Tokyo, Japan in 1931(師範科 刺繡部 二年). This collection of 120 kinds of embroidery patterns shows the basic pattern of the 1930s, exhibiting the examples of modern Korean embroidery.
St. Mary (Korea, 1940s) by Jeon Myeong-jaSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is the work by Prof. Jeong Myeong-ja of Sookmyung Women's Collage. She embroidered the image of St. Mary. Using the western painting technique, she provides the shade effect.
Portrait of Brother (Korea, 2002) by Kim Gae-soonSookmyung Women’s University Museum
The brother kidnapped to north Korea as a middle school student. Sister embroidered his image with hair.
Embroidery Patterns (Korea, 1940s) by Kim Ya-jiSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is embroidery practice cloth in the Sookmyung Women's College day.
Embroidery of Sookmyung's Logo (Korea, 1940s) by Hong Sung-wookSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This was produced while the artist was studying at Sookmyung Women’s College. Sookmyung’s logo is surrounded by flowering plant patterns.
Embroidered Folding Screen with Four Seasons (Korea, 20th century) by Lee HakSookmyung Women’s University Museum
This is the work by Lee Hak, showing the four seasons of peach trees through embroidery.
Embroidery and Sewing; Decorating life with beauty by Sookmyung Women's University MuseumSookmyung Women’s University Museum
Planned by Sookmyung Women's University Museum
Photographed by Han Jung Youp(Han Studio), Seo Heonkang
Visual Edited by Kim Nahyun
