Decorative Cord

Item number N3.41 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

A long white cylindrical silk cord that has a form at the centre created into an elaborate knot with five projecting loops. Below the loops, the knots form a cylinder with two side extensions.

History Of Use

There were many kinds of ornaments made of knotted cords, sometimes with tassels, in the Chosun Dynasty. Long cords with decorative knots were tied onto the waist ties or other ribbons of men’s clothing, and used to hold objects, in lieu of pockets. Objects such as cases for writing brushes, eyeglasses, or tobacco might be attached to the cord, or the ends of fans. Several objects could be attached at the same time, most likely with hooks. Cords from the late Chosun Dynasty most likely were used for eyeglass cases, which were made of precious materials at that time, as eyeglasses were very popular as being symbols of intellectual status. The fashioning of the knots could be done at home or in the context of a guild. Many women knew how to make them.