Detail

A commemorative stamp is being issued to introduce various `meoricho` patterns found in palace dancheong that express the authority and dignity of the royal court. In particular, `meoricho` refers to dancheong patterns used to decorate the ends of wooden architectural members such as bo (beam), dori (purlin), and changbang (column-connecting beam). Composed of `hwamun` (floral motifs) harmoniously combined with `hwi` (colored bands) and `sil` (decorative lines), these patterns showcase the delicate beauty of form and color characteristic of traditional Korean dancheong. Korean dancheong developed not only as a practical means of protecting wooden buildings but also as a decorative art that enhances their dignity and refinement. `The toeryang meoricho of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace` features `paryeonmun` symbolizing auspiciousness and `moranmun` symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Its exquisite patterns and colors further enhance the beauty of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, where nature and architecture blend harmoniously. `The daeryang meoricho of Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace` is a `paryeonhwabyeong meoricho` imbued with auspicious energy, displaying a dignified and refined beauty of form befitting Geunjeongjeon Hall, which symbolizes the authority of the royal court and the dignity of the state. `The dori meoricho of Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace` is a gwanja meoricho with `paryeonhwa` as its main motif. It is characterized by `hwi` extending symmetrically to either side of the paryeonhwa motifs arranged above and below. `The daeryang meoricho of Junghwajeon Hall at Deoksugung Palace` is characterized by `yeonhwa janggu meoricho`, which resembles the shape of a janggu, and `seven layers of hwi`. Its elaborate arrangement of motifs and rich, deep colors convey the dignity of the Korean Empire and the aspirations of the time for the nation`s prosperity. `The changbang meoricho of Myeongjeongjeon Hall at Changgyeonggung Palace` is a `yeonhwabyeong meoricho` preserved in the oldest surviving palace dancheong. Its elegant and restrained colors and forms convey the depth and long tradition of palace dancheong from the Joseon Dynasty. `The daeryang meoricho of Injeongjeon Hall at Changdeokgung Palace` is likewise composed of `yeonhwabyeong meoricho`, with its splendid bajahwi and delicate coloring beautifully showcasing the aesthetic qualities of Korean palace dancheong. The vibrant colors of dancheong, based on the five traditional colors, embody more than an aesthetic appreciation for adorning buildings. They also reflect the hopes of our ancestors for auspiciousness and blessings, as well as their wish to express the authority and dignity of the royal court and the state. We hope this commemorative stamp will offer an opportunity to appreciate the artistic value and meaning of traditional Korean dancheong, while sharing more widely the beauty of this precious cultural heritage.