Famous painters from the Joseon era
Korean traditional attire, known as Hanbok, is a beautiful representation of the country's rich cultural heritage. Shin Yun-bok and Yun Young, a famous painters from the Joseon era, has left behind a legacy of breathtaking artwork featuring beautiful women adorned in traditional Korean clothing, or hanbok. If you take a closer look at his paintings, you can see the typical style of the late Joseon period, with short jeogori and skirt with abundant pleats.
In the early days of the Joseon dynasty, women's hanboks featured long, flowing garments with generous proportions. However, as the dynasty progressed, the hanbok style began to change. The jeogoris became shorter, the sleeves narrower, and the bodices more form-fitting. Meanwhile, the skirts remained as full and flowing as ever.
The late Joseon Dynasty's women's hanbok
The late Joseon Dynasty's women's hanbok featured short jeogori and tight sleeves, emphasizing their femininity. The snug design around the upper body accentuated a slender appearance, while the voluminous skirt created a striking contrast, enhancing the beauty of women. Such design elements contributed to highlighting women's elegance and delicacy
Portrait of a Beauty
Looking at Shin Yun-bok and Yun Young's "Portrait of a Beauty," you can see this style evolution in action. It's a look that's both alluring and elegant, and it captures the beauty standards of the time perfectly.
Of course, one of the most striking features of the hanbok is its voluminous skirt. This was achieved by layering multiple underskirts beneath the outer layer, creating a look that's both grand and graceful. The proportions of the hanbok were carefully calculated to create a sense of balance and harmony, with the skirt's width designed to complement the wearer's figure.
So the next time you see a painting of a Joseon-era beauty in a hanbok, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the garment. From the flowing skirt to the short jeogori, it's a style that's both timeless and unforgettable, embodying the spirit of a bygone era in a way that continues to captivate us today.