Northeastern Art and Decorative Art Korean Textiles and Accessories I - Life and Beauty of Women in Joseon Dynasty

This is the first of a two-part thematic exhibition, featuring materials relating to the daily life of the Korean people in the late 19th to early 20th century. The first part focuses on the garments and accessories of upper class women, together with cosmetics implements, stationary, sewing tools and tableware. The second part will be "Literati Life in the Joseon Dynasty".

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Confucian thought was the prevailing ideology and permeated all aspects of daily life. The living quarters of men and women were strictly separated in accordance with the teachings that "from the age of seven, men and women must not be in the same room". In addition, the outings of the royal and yangban (noble class) family women were severely restricted, and they were required to spend most of their time in seclusion in their private quarters (yanbang).

The accessories and utensils for everyday use by the aristocratic women were brightly colored items. These colors were associated with the Taoist ideas of "yin and yang" and the Five Elements, however presumably the vibrant qualities also gave some pleasure and visual stimulation to the women who were rarely able to venture outside of their residences.