Download Image
Terms and conditions of use
Wedding robe
(early 20th century)
Medium
silk, hemp, cotton
Measurements
(a) 121.3 cm (centre back) 91.3 × 28.3 cm (cuff to cuff)
(b) 33.5 cm (centre back) 118.0 cm (cuff to cuff)
(c) 108.7 cm (centre back) 172.6 cm (waist, circumference)
(d) 8.0 × 192.0 cm (sash)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased NGV Foundation, 2019
Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
Hanbok is a Korean costume for traditional occasions such as festivals, celebrations and ceremonies. Comprising a chima (skirt), jeogori (jacket) and wonsam (ceremonial overcoat), this example features brightly coloured bands on the sleeves and would have been worn for a wedding ceremony. Historically, colourful hanbok were reserved for royalty and nobility, with the exception of weddings, when women of lower classes were permitted to wear brightly coloured garments to reflect the importance of the event. The five colours represent the five elements: green – wood, yellow – earth, red or pink – fire, white – metal, and blue – water. This combination was thought to empower the wearer to ward off evil spirits.