Since the ancient times, bojagi has been used for practical purposes, such as a protective covering or wrapping cloth for various household items. During significant ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, specially crafted bojagi were used to wrap gifts and offerings, they were meticulously crafted to wrap gifts and offerings, embodying both etiquette and heartfelt sincerity. Bojagi were widely used across all social classes, from gungbo, which adorned the royal court, to minbo, which was used by commoners. Bojagi were made using various materials, ranging from humble fabrics such as cotton, ramie, and hemp to luxurious, vibrantly colored silks. The flexibility of these materials made bojagi highly practical for wrapping and carrying clothing, accessories, tableware, chests, books, and other household necessities.

A typical bojagi was crafted using a single or double layer of fabric, sometimes padded with cotton or quilted for enhancing its durability. Bojagi were available in various sizes depending on its usage, and some were designed with ties to secure their contents. Wedding bojagi, unlike those used in daily life, were elaborately decorated with bright colors and intricate embroidery, symbolizing blessings for happiness and elevating the dignity of the ceremony. The gungbo used in the palace, crafted from the finest materials and featuring elaborate pattern, stood in stark contrast to those used by commoners. While palace bojagi were made by sewing together full-width fabric panels, commoners—who faced fabric scarcity—created jogakbo by piecing together fabric scraps. This practice reflected the frugality of women at the time, who cherished even the smallest pieces of cloth. The careful arrangement of fabric fragments made each bojagi a unique work of art, infused with the individual craftsmanship of its maker.

Historical records from the Three Kingdoms period mention the use of red-colored bojagi, and numerous surviving artifacts attest to their long-standing presence in Korean culture. Every stitch and embroidered detail carried the maker’s wishes, denoted the maker’s blessings, and bojagi were believed to enclose and ensure good fortune. However, with modernization, the introduction of Western-style bags and new packaging methods led to a decline of these traditional cloths.

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the diverse types, functions, and techniques of traditional bojagi, shedding light on a cultural treasure that is gradually fading from daily life. Through these beautifully crafted cloths, visitors can appreciate the artistic sensibility and heartfelt devotion that generations of women have woven into every stitch.