Types and Characteristics of the Royal Pouches through Haenang-balgi

This study analyzed the types and characteristics of royal pouches by synthesizing the records and relics of Haenang-balgi, a document related to seasonal customs in the first lunar month. In this document, royal pouches are generally recorded in the order of color, pattern, and name according to social status; some do not have colors or patterns. The colors of royal pouches were frequently used in red, green, pink, jade, and five colors. The representative patterns are the ten symbols of longevity consisting of ten long-lived plants and animals, the flower basket pattern, and various patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, kylins, birds, and letters expressed in embroidery. Considering the colors, green, pink, and red were common regardless of gender. In particular, jade appeared only in adult married men such as Emperor Gojong, Emperor Sunjong, and King Uichin, and it seems to be related to marital status. The crown prince was unmarried, so only green and red were used. Pink was used often for women, and red appeared for young princes and princesses. There are several characteristics in the patterns. First, there is much symmetry in the composition. It seems to be significantly influenced by the ten symbols of longevity. The symmetrical composition shows the formal beauty of the royal family. Second, some styles are partially modified from the basic style. It is presumed to be due to differences in status or use. Third, a close relationship of influence is observed among the patterns of royal purses. The combination of various patterns within the symmetrical composition demonstrates the potential for diverse variations from the basic style. This study shows the excellent formative beauty of the royal purses, along with the meaning of strongly wishing for longevity and fortune in reality.