Designing New Hanbok for infants and children by using the constellations found on the murals from Goguryeo Tombs

Abstract

This study aims to understand the significance and implications of the constellations drawn on the walls of Goguryeo Tombs in order to utilize them as a traditional cultural content of Korea. The study selected some of the constellations that can provide the motif for the textile designs of Korean traditional clothing, or Hanbok, targeting infants and children. In the process of applying the designs, it examined methods to help young children enjoy the beauty of the Korean traditional outfits and feel comfortable while wearing them. The attempt to reduce the inconveniences of Hanbok leads to the development of new Hanbok-style garments that little children can wear in their everyday life. Specifically, four textile designs are developed using each of the constellations from the murals, including Bukdu Chilseong (the Big Dipper), Namdu Yukseong (six stars of Sagittarius), Samtae Yukseong (three stars aligned near the Big Dipper), and the mixture of Bukdu Chilseong and Namdu Yukseong. The above-mentioned constellations were specially selected because they represent the lifespan, vitality, and happiness of people as well as their fortune. This study finally introduced three suits of Hanbok designed for boys and another three for girls, which exhibit the combined textile patterns of Bukdu Chilseong and Namdu Yukseong. It is noticeable that the jackets maintain the original form of Hanbok to highlight their traditionality in the children’s daily life, while the pants and skirts were designed to be shorter than the traditional costumes to maximize their functionality.