2022

Jangdo (Korean traditional encased ornamental knife)

the symbol of Korean spirit – Singleness of heart

The name Silver Jangdo refers to a small knife with sheath made of or decorated with silver which was used to dress up a lady.

Trace of a metallic Jangdo first appeared in the Royal Tomb of Mulyeong in Baekje Kingdom, and many other royal tombs in Silla, Gogulyeo, and Gaya Kingdoms, that was of the time after the era of the Three Kingdoms.

In the early days the ancient Korean carried different types of Jandos regardless of gender according to their social status and the way they used them was very practical. In ordinary times, people used Jangdo to cut simple objects, to collect wild vegetables, and to protect themselves when needed occasionally. But in emergencies, it was used tas defensive weapon.

During the era of Joseon Dynasty, when the Confucianism was highly respected, loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and faithfulness were emerged as the most valuable virtues. Accordingly, Silver Jangdo had become the symbol of women’s chastity. Especially during the Korean Peninsula being suffered from Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Second Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1597, and Chinese Invasion of Korea in 1636, Silver Jangdo settled among ladies as a weapon for self-defense and it became one of the necessities, which noble ladies must have.

The length of a Jando has been changed as time changed. During the late period of Joseon Dynasty, the length of a Jando which men carried as a symbol of scholastic loyalty, filial piety, and faithfulness was approximate 15cm, and the length of a Jando which ladies carried as a symbol of constancy was approximate 10cm. SIlver Jangdo, which was made of or decorated mainly with silver, has been mostly favored by ladies due to its fair and elegant appearance and the symbolic meaning of silver itself.