A Study of the Whakwan

화관에 관한 연구

  • 홍나영 (이화여자대학교 의류직물학과)
  • Published : 2000.05.01

Abstract

This study investigated the history of whakwan (crown, 화관(花冠)) and classified the types of whakwan accordint to its structure. Whakwan seemed to originate from the custome of sticking flowers in the hair which was the reflection of human desire of pursuing the beauty . The whakwan fist appeared in the Oriental painting during the Tang period and became fashionable is Song. It is not clear when whakwan was introduced into Korea, but is assumed to be greatly influenced by the Song whakwan. The Korean record on whakwan showed on whakwan showed fro the fist time in the reign of Kimg Sejong and whakwan was used for the costume of a dancing boy. Through the present type of whakwan appeared only one in the painting of the reign of King Seonjo, there are a number of whakwans in the lattern part of the Chosun dynasty, Now there exist three types of whakwan in Korea. The first type is similar to that of Chokduri in decoration . But it was made of paper, had the double structures of inner and outer part and was decorated by Yangkwan's vertical lines of gilt paper. The second type is the whakwan made of artifical flowers with various color cords and was widely used in Geesung and Pyungyang regions. Finally, though the third type is similar to Sabangkwan, its outside was decorated gaudilly iby Dangchae (colorful painting ) and it was assumed that dancing bodys put it on their head for various banquets. Out of these three types, the first is most representative , Black was the popularly used color for the first type and this type was used either for brides on wedding ceremonies or for shamans or palace dancers. The second type was widely used in Gaesung and Pyungyang regions. But the differences in the shape of whakwan of the two regions showed the regional characteristics of traditional costumes in Korea. The third type was most likely to be used in the dance for palace banquets, but it is necessary to further investigate whether shamans actually wore this type of whakwan.

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