한국 전통상차림의 색채연구

Abstract

This research studied the color arrangements of traditional Korean table settings based on a comparison between Korea, China, and Japan, during the late Joseon Dynasty from the 17C to the 19C. The case studies were categorized through a value conversion of dominant color, secondary color, and accent color, measured by chromatometer, into Munsell hues upon which the color palettes and chroma scale of traditional table settings were represented. The research findings on Korea’s tradition-based table arrangements are listed as follows. Firstly, the traditional Korean table setting colors are based on the symbolism in Ying-Yang and Wu Xing philosophy and are still utilized today. Secondly, to examine the chromatics features of Korean table arrangements, a study was done by means of distinguishing the differences and similarities with the two neighboring countries at the same time – the Qing and Ming Dynasties in China and the Edo period in Japan. These three countries show a common preference for red. However, the Chinese approach visualizes a high magnitude in both brightness and chroma while the Japanese approach shows low to low on these scales, and the Korean approach is characterized by moderation. Traditionally, the Korean approach favors shades of red on table arrangements, and this is distinctively registered as mid-to-high on the gray scale and mid-to-low on the chroma scale. It is expect that there will be an opportunity, through a modern reinterpretation of the color attributes of Korean table arrangements, to disseminate Korean food culture and its identity worldwide.