Geumbak on Korean Clothing: Read the Gold, the Pattern, and the Maker Separately
A gold-colored pattern on Korean clothing is a starting point for a question, not a complete explanation of how it was made. Geumbak refers to gold leaf, while geumbakjang names the craft and the artisans associated with applying it to textiles. Looking at the material, the design, and the maker's knowledge separately makes a richly decorated garment easier to read. Contents Start with the material description Look beyond the finished pattern Try a three-part looking exercise Questions before your next gallery visit 1. Start with the material description The Korea Heritage Agency's profile of artisan Kim Deok-hwan describes geumbakjang as gold-leaf imprinting on fabric and notes its use on traditional women's wedding attire. Its account also explains that terminology for the material and its application has changed over time. That is a useful reason to slow down at a label. Copy the exact technique named by the institution before substituting a familiar word such as embro...