An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Bridal Robe (Hwarot)1850–1910
This bride's robe is exquisitely embroidered with various symbols of happiness in colorful silk threads. Butterflies stand for marital happiness; the phoenix, numerous offspring; and lotus flowers and white cranes, longevity. Yet, the bridal robe does not attest to the life of luxury. To the contrary, many traces of repairs, trimmings, and patchwork reflect Joseon period women’s commitment to value neo-Confucian aesthetics of frugality and modesty. <br><br>Substantial repairs and patching reveal that this robe served as an important communal resource to be shared and passed down through several generations. Its collar and sleeves are covered in thick white paper; this paper is replaced with new paper for each bride, while the robe itself was reused for decades.
This bride's robe was not made for one specific bride, but rather was shared and passed down to many brides.
Satin weave silk; silk embroidery; paper edging on neck and sleeves
Overall: 121.9 x 186.7 cm (48 x 73 1/2 in.)
The Worcester R. Warner Collection
In the quiet of a sunlit room, a bride stands adorned in a robe that tells a story of joy, hope, and the threads of family woven through generations. This is no ordinary garment; it is a tapestry of life intricately embroidered with symbols crafted from colorful silk threads. As the bride turns, delicate butterflies flutter across the fabric, whispering secrets of marital happiness. Nearby, a vibrant phoenix rises, embodying dreams of many children who will one day fill the halls with laughter. Lotus flowers blossom alongside elegant white cranes, quietly promising longevity—a wish that transcends the immediate moment of celebration.
Yet, upon closer examination, this robe is more than a mere symbol of luxury; it bears the marks of a life well-lived. Each stitch tells a story of resilience, time, and community. The traces of repairs and patches, lovingly sewn with care, speak to the values of the Joseon period, where women upheld neo-Confucian ideals of frugality and modesty. This was not just about adornment; it was a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.
The robe, once cherished, is now a communal treasure, passed down from one bride to another, each adding their own layer of history to the garment. Thick white paper lines the collar and sleeves, a temporary skin that protects the robe's integrity. With each new bride, the old paper is exchanged for fresh sheets, allowing the tradition to continue. The robe will serve through decades, a river of memories flowing through time, binding those who wore it in a shared heritage of beauty and strength.
As the warmth of the sun caresses the fabric, one can almost hear the soft, heartfelt laughter of brides through the years—each stitching a new moment, each patch a testament to a life woven with love and care. So stands the robe, a bridge between past and future, an embodiment of both the fleeting nature of moments and the enduring power of stories.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.