A Study on the Research Methods in History of Costume

복식사 연구방법에 관한 소고(I)

We must identify the forms of dress devised throughout ages, when we wtudy, interpret and analyze the numerous resource material of costume. The study which depends on reference to actual artifacts is necessarily limited. Whereas items of contemporary dress are readily available, much from earlier eras has been destroyed or has deteriorated through time. Such as cottons, linens, silks, wools, leathers and furs are perishable organic materials. Few garments dated earlier than seventeenth century has survived except armor, jewelry. We have many sources of the information are available to study on costume of earlier eras. These sources are wall paintings, sculptures, painting, monumental brasses, manuscript illustration ceramics, coins, medals, mosaics, archives, literature. Wall painting and frescoes provided an useful source for costume study. Many wall paintings and frescoes were destroyed, were changed in color. It si advisable to interpret the dress detail, form color carefully. Sculpture would be useful to see the back and side views of dress. One of the most important points which should be made abut the use of sculpture as a source for costume study in early periods is that the sculptor's style will often change the character of a costume. As the painting si two-dimensional evidence for a three-dimensional costume, paintings must be accurately studied. What we must do, as far as we can, is to look at all visual representations in the light of other contemporary evidence in order to interpret the information correctly.