Abstract
This study is a follow-up study to “A study of the pattern stamped on the Cotton Armor and Helmet of the late Joseon period: Analysis and restoration of the stamp patterns” (Lee, Park, & An, 2019). It examines the origin and the meaning of the stamp patterns on the Cotton Armor and Helmet of the late Joseon period. The body armor which is the only remaining part of the Cotton Armor of the late Joseon period (Registered Cultural Property No. 459) in Korea has been considered as “the world’s first scientific bulletproof armor” or an “uncivilized heavy armor” reflecting either emphasizing superlative achievement or a defeatist attitude by scholars or the press. However, by focusing on the historical and symbolic value of the stamp patterns, different aspects of the armor and helmet are revealed. As a result, the patterns are classified into three categories: the Om Mani Padme Hum, the icons of the Five Great Mountains, and the Nine Stars and Eight Doors talisman. These magical and superstitious patterns reveal to be the national, military, and cosmic patterns reflecting the Neo-Confucian worldview of the Joseon Dynasty. These symbols provide a hint to assume that the Cotton Armors and Helmets were originated in the 18th century as an armor for the artillery before they appeared in the wars such as French campaign against Korea in 1866 and American expedition in 1871.
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