South Korea · Embroidery; Bridal / dowry textile craft
unknown
Joseon-era (1392-1897) Korean embroidered pillows worked with sipjangsaeng, the "ten symbols of longevity" -- a grouping of sun, clouds, mountains, water, pine trees, turtles, deer, cranes, peaches, and the herb of eternal youth that at least one academic source describes as uniquely Korean, not found elsewhere in East Asia -- alongside peony, lotus, and fruit motifs. Traditionally embroidered by a bride, with her mother and aunts, as part of her wedding dowry, the pillows wished the marriage long life, happiness, good health, and peace, and were believed to ward off negative energies and invite blessed dreams.
Risk level: Endangered · Not UNESCO-inscribed
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