Royal Silk Bojagi, Folk Patchwork Bojagi... Ancestors Believed in Fortune Within Bojagi

30th Themed Collection Exhibition: "Bojagi Filled with Sincerity"
Over 60 Bojagi Artifacts from the 19th to 20th Centuries on Display
Experience the Colorful Tradition and Symbolism of Bojagi

The Coreana Cosmetics Museum announced on the 18th that it will hold its 30th themed collection exhibition, "Bojagi Filled with Sincerity," from the 19th to August 14th.

The exhibition theme is traditional bojagi, which contains colorful and beautiful hues. It showcases over 60 artifacts from the 19th to 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the diverse bojagi culture used in various forms across all social classes, from the royal family to the common people.

Gireogi Bojagi. Provided by Koreana Cosmetics Museum

Silk bojagi used during wedding ceremonies to exchange items feature elaborate embroidery in blue and red. This symbolizes the harmony between the bride and groom becoming one through marriage and carries the meaning of blessing the couple’s future. The bojagi also displays embroidery of flowers, trees, fruits, and birds symbolizing happiness, fertility, and wealth.

Jogakbo cloth. Provided by Koreana Cosmetics Museum

Among the common people, where fabric was precious, patchwork bojagi called jogakbo were made by gathering various scraps of cloth. Each stitch was sewn with wishes for the family’s happiness, health, and longevity. These bojagi are characterized by their unique shapes created by arranging colorful fabric pieces.

Various hands-on programs will also be offered. From April to July, once a month, adults can tour the exhibition with a curator and learn bojagi wrapping techniques that can be used in daily life. During the summer vacation in August, an applied jogakbo experience program will be held for elementary school students.

A museum official explained, “The Chinese character ‘bok’ used in old texts to mean bojagi sounds the same as ‘bok (福),’ which means happiness. Our ancestors regarded bojagi as precious items that hold blessings.” They added, “The exhibition allows visitors to explore the bojagi culture that carries these stories.”