Bride's Robe (Hwalot), 19th century (embroidered silk panels, gold thread, paper lining)

From "Korean Art Collection in the Brooklyn Museum" catalogue: The front of the robe is embroidered with waves, rocks, phoenixes, and peonies, along with "jewel" motifs such as buffalo horns and jewel books. The front part of the shoulder features a couplet of phrases, "Longevity Like a Mountain" and "Wealth Like the Ocean." The back of the robe is also elaborately designed with waves, rocks, herons, phoenixes, lotuses, peonies, heavenly peaches, and butterflies, as well as another couplet of phrases, "Union of the Two Families" and "Wishing for One Hundred Blessings." In an actual wedding ceremony, because the bride raises her arms to shoulder level, the front part of the robe may not be easy to see. Therefore, the back of the robe is often more elaborately decorated. In this robe, for example, the design is concentrated on the back of the robe as well as on the back of the sleeves. From accession card: Coat made up of embroidered silk panels.