An Application and Technology of SWIR Hyperspectral Image for Inconspicuous Textile Pattern Analysis

Abstract

This study applied short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging technology to analyze the textile pattern used in the Jeogori of Baekdamsa Temple. First introduced in 1748, the Jeogori is a very important relic in the study of Korean traditional costume. The garment w as designated as a national treasure in 1993, and the pattern in its yellow silk has been well established. However, obtaining the pattern information of its reddish purple decoration has proven to be quite challenging. In contrast to yellow, reddish purple is a color that is difficult for a camera to recognize; thus, analyzing patterns in this color using only high-definition digital or infrared photography is difficult. In this work, SWIR hyperspectral imaging technology, which has recently been used in investigations of cultural heritage sites, was applied to identify the textile pattern on the Jeogori of Baekdamsa Temple. The technology successfully identified the patterns of a Wan-character, dragon, and phoenix. This type of textile pattern was identified in Korea from the end of the 17th century to the early-to-mid-18th century. This study is meaningful because it not only provides a detailed image of the textile pattern on the Jeogori of Baekdamsa Temple, which has not been previously achieved, but also proposes a new strategy based on hyperspectral imaging technology for studying the cultural heritage of textiles.