Gold and silver Binyeos have been related to the the Aristocracy. Right here the picture options Shin Hye-sun as Kim So-yong, Queen Cheorin in ‘Mr. Queen.’ Picture courtesy of tvN
It’s fascinating, how properly jewellery could transcend cultural limitations; the Binyeo, as an example, is a manifestation of such crossings that join individuals globally. The opposite day, I noticed my mother braiding a bun and slipping a patterned hairpin whereas getting ready for an occasion. The beautiful bling, she stated, was bought from Kurseong final 12 months. “That does resemble a Binyeo,” I stated. I’ve seen them rather a lot in interval Ok-dramas.
The Korean Binyeo is basically their conventional hairpin. It may be lengthy or U-shaped and be used to each embellish and safe the hair buns intact. Showing within the Goryo, Joseon, and Silla kingdoms of Korean historical past, the decoration was maybe designed with each genders in thoughts. However in time, as social mores developed, the Binyeo ended up being restricted to girls.
A vital a part of Korean jewellery all through the three-kingdom period, it wasn’t simply an aesthetic delight however disclosed an individual’s identification, class, and past. That explains why we see historic Ok-drama characters sporting quite a lot of Binyeos.
The reign of King Yeongjo within the Joseon Dynasty noticed the rise of Binyeo. As a part of a customized that marked their transition into maturity, ladies would put on Binyeos of their hair. In marriages, the bride would get a Binyeo as a token of affection from the groom, per an Asia Society article, and it was additionally a software on the time for romantic rendezvous.
This could possibly be a fallacy; I’m undecided although—the Binyeo was presupposed to have an effect on the deaths of a feminine’s dad and mom. Some would take away them and let their hair fall as a type of reparation for his or her perception that they have been in charge for the loss. Later, they might make a hair bun and swap out their Binyeo for a picket one that may be used for the following few years.
The hierarchical construction of the Silla dynasty banned the usage of Binyeo consistent with social division alongside racial traces. When it got here to shapes, commoners have been restricted, whereas the imperial household had entry to all kinds of Binyeos. They changed the wigs worn by many married girls as an emblem of their social standing.
Gold and silver Binyeos have been related to the the Aristocracy, whereas widows wore picket Binyeos. The round bottoms of those hairpins represented wealth, well being, and vitality and have been fastidiously crafted to suit seasons, occasions, day by day put on, and age.
In an interview with The Korea Instances, famous jewellery designer Kim Soung-eun defined that phoenix Binyeos have been worn by queens and princesses within the Joseon Dynasty. Her creations have been featured in a number of historic Ok-dramas. Royal concubines, however, donned lovebird Binyeos. The phoenix Binyeo, she stated, represents ambition, ardour, and the pursuit of energy, as exemplified by Seol In-ah within the immensely in style Ok-drama Mr. Queen (2020-2021), the place she performs Jo Hwa-jin, Royal Noble Consort Ui, King Cheoljong’s concubine and old flame.
Binyeo has a Chinese language equal, Ji, a Chinese language hair stick, and a Japanese equal, Kanzashi, quite a lot of hair ornaments together with hairpins, clips, material flowers, and clips. Related hairpins, for that matter, have emerged by means of the ages, appearing as icons and very important parts of various faiths and cultures.
