• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.918-927
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• 2012

This study identified the aesthetic characteristics of the face description in late Joseon Dynasty beauty paintings. A total of 24 beauty paintings were selected as representative of the late Joseon Dynasty genre of painting works. The paintings were analyzed by the shape, color, and physiognomy of beauty trends from the components of women's faces expressed in the works of artists. The results of this study showed that the shape of the face components expressed a round, curved and thin line. Colors were expressed through Obang-sack (a traditional Korean color). Also the physiognomy of the late Joseon Dynasty's women was soft, wise, economical and brilliant. A round-forehead meant that economical and virtuous housekeeper, thin crescent shaped eyebrows denoted women of wisdom and excellent sensitivity. Single long thin eyelids and implied a women of longevity. A round curved nose were eager tobe a wise mother and a good wife. Small concave lips were desired eagerly by gentle and intelligent women. A curve face implied a subjective women of insight and good memory. In conclusion, the late Joseon Dynasty beauty paintings expressed a traditional Korean beauty face and a modern baby face. The data are useful for the aesthetic standards of modern through meaning of Korean traditional beauty.