Korean Hanji Paper Lanterns Once Hid Court Music Scales
Traditional Korean hanji paper, prized for its strength and translucence, was stretched over bamboo frames to create portable lanterns. Artisans arranged the paper folds in precise geometric ratios that matched the intervals of the pentatonic court music played during royal ceremonies. When lit from within, the glowing ribs projected faint lines onto nearby walls, revealing the same tonal steps musicians used on the geomungo zither.
💡 Fun detail:
During Joseon-era festivals, a single lantern could therefore serve as both a walking light and a discreet tuning chart, allowing strolling performers to check their pitches without carrying written scores.
Source: National Museum of Korea