Detail

`The special stamp on traditional Korean culture is issued to domonstrate the wisdom and aesthetic sensitivity of our ancestors by showcasing utensils they used daily. Introduced in the third series are lighting facilities. These four lighting fixtures are preserved in the National Folk Museum of Korea. Jojokdeung(a lantern used to light as one walked) Jojokdeung, a type of lantern, was used to light the mortuary in the royal court, and by the patrol guards during the Joseon Period while they were making the rounds at night. The upper part of the lantern has a handle and inside the lantern was a revolving iron hinge for holding the candle, which enabled the candle to burn even when the lantern was shaken. The frame is made of bamboo or iron, the surface of which was thickly coated with oiled paper in the pattern of quilt plaits. The lower section of the lantern is cut and spread out to emit light in the forward direction. Wooden Deungjan (lamp-oil container) Wooden Deungjan, which is and oil cup for a lamp, is categorized into Deung-gyeong, which is made to position the lamp-oil container at the suitable height, and Deung-ga, which does not have a hanging rack and is made to place the cup on the upper section. The wooden Deungjan has an octagonal prop, on which a pole protrudes and the lamp oil container is hung on the rack, underneath which a saucer for lamp oil is placed. This wooden Deungjan was the most popular lighting apparatus used indoors regardless of social standing. Juchilmokje Yukgakjedeung (Hexagonal portable wooden lantern painted with reddish lacquer) Jedeung is a portable lantern used when moving about at night of during ceremonies. The frames are usually made of wire, brass, bamboo or wood, which are covered with Hanji, the traditional Korean paper, or with silk gauze. The upper part of the lantern has a grip to enhance convenience while moving. The wooden frame of this lantern is hexagonal shaped and painted with Juchil, a reddish lacquer that could be used only in the Royal Court. The Hanji paper was applied for ornamental purposes. Brass Candle Stick Candle stands, called Chot-dae in Korean, include those for daily use, for ceremonies and for portable use, which were called Sucho. The basic form of this brass candle stick comes in the shape of a wooden rice bowl placed upside down, on which stands a prop. Placed on the prop is a saucer plate with a short socket for inserting the candle. At the rear of this brass candle stick are several shapes of reflecting plates hanging like the halo of Buddha. This candle stick is made of brass with butterfly-shaped hanging reflecting plates.`