The Ministry of Science and ICT's Korea Post announced on the 28th that it will issue commemorative stamps featuring ‘Gungjung Chaehwa (宮中綵花)’, traditional artificial flowers used in the Joseon royal court, on the 3rd of next month.
Gungjung Chaehwa refers to flowers made from paper, silk, and other materials within the royal palace. These artificial flowers were mainly seen at important state events such as major ceremonies within the palace or when welcoming foreign envoys.
They hold significance as they reflect the royal court culture of using flowers to express respect, as well as symbols of peace, longevity, and health.
Korea Post included ‘Byeokdo Junhwa’ and ‘Hongdo Junhwa’, which decorate the king’s throne, on the commemorative stamps.
Byeokdo Junhwa and Hongdo Junhwa are craftworks (Gungjung Chaehwa) made by placing peach tree branches in jars and attaching red and white peach blossoms made of silk, decorated with birds and insects.
They are said to have been displayed during the banquet at Mangyeongjeon Hall in 1887 to celebrate the 80th birthday of Queen Sinjeong Jo, the Grand Queen Dowager at the time of King Gojong’s Jeonghae year.
Gungjung Chaehwa spread not only among the aristocracy but also to common households. Although the tradition was lost around the Japanese colonial period, it was restored by master craftsman Hwang Suro (National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 124) through old documents.
The commemorative stamps can be purchased at nearby main post offices or through the internet post office. The total issuance volume of the commemorative stamps is 544,000 sheets.
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