Detail

The royal court used various symbols, known as `Uijang (meaning ceremonial)`, during important ceremonies or royal processions to enhance the dignity of the event and highlight the majesty of the royal figure. In `uijang,` the character `ui` signifies dignity, and `jang` refers to weapons such as spears or swords. While the use of these symbols dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty developed a more diverse system, classified by scale, purpose, and social status. Among these symbols, the `uijanggi` is a flag with specific iconography on a cloth attached to a long pole. The Joseon Dynasty had 28 types of `ceremonial flags,` categorized by size into large, medium, and small flags. All royal standards, except the Girin Flag, were used in the king`s ceremonies. The Girin Flag was used in the processions of the crown prince and the crown prince’s son. Women used the Baektaek Flag, the only flag they were allowed to use, while concubines did not use any `ceremonial flags.` The structure of `ceremonial flags` includes a fabric body and a handle for carrying. During transport, one person held the pole while another held the string attached to it. A `bongjitong,` an auxiliary tool attached to the pole’s end, was used to secure the flag to the bearer’s waist or shoulder, supporting its weight. In rainy weather, a rain cover protected the flag, and when not in use, the flag was wrapped around the pole and stored in a blue cotton cloth. The stamps feature the Hongmundae Flag and the Girin Flag. The Hongmundae Flag with a blue dragon on a red background, signifies the commencement of the royal symbols. `Hongmun` refers to a red wooden gate erected in front of buildings to indicate a sacred area. In the early Joseon period, it was the leading flag in ceremonial processions, and in the late Joseon period, it followed the Gyoryong Flag as an important flag. The Girin Flag, depicting the mythical creature Girin, is the only flag not used by the king. Girin, regarded as a divine creature alongside dragons, turtles, and phoenixes, resembles a deer with the tail of an ox, the hooves and mane of a horse, and multicolored fur, with a single long horn on its head. The background of the stamps features the seventh panel of the Hwaseong Neunghaengdo Byeongpung (Painting of the Royal Procession to Hwaseong on Eight-panel Folding Screen), a folding screen from the National Palace Museum of Korea that depicts Joseon Dynasty ceremonies. In 1795 (the 19th year of King Jeongjo’s reign), King Jeongjo held a celebration at the Hyullyungwon tomb of Crown Prince Sado to commemorate his mother, Lady Hyegyeong Hong’s 60th birthday. The painting illustrates the procession returning to Hanyang after the event.