A norigae is a traditional Korean accessory for women consisting of a small object and a suspending tassel below it. One or more norigae could be worn on the waistband of the skirt to be shown below the jacket. Samjak-norigae are a set of three norigae which was a typical gift presented to women at weddings or auspicious ceremonies.

Sets of triple pendants were made in three different sizes. The largest and most splendid were used in the largest court ceremonies by female imperials or royals. The medium sized sets were for upper-class women and the smallest for young women or children. The shape of the ornaments of norigae symbolized good wishes such as long life, prosperity and fortune.

This set of three ornaments features a branch of coral, a pair of white jade butterflies and amber in the shape of a fingered-citron with carved peonies which are attached to delicate works of silk knots with “octopus leg” tassels. The pendant on the left is a finely carved red coral branch with its root capped with gilt metal in the shape of a dragon head. The twin butterflies on the middle pendant are carved of white jade plates that are ornamented with gilt metal and gems. The pendant on the right is a single sumptuous piece of opaque amber – a beeswax yellow type with subtle marbled patterns – with a finely carved surface featuring peonies and bats. A gilded cap with a ring connects the carved amber to the silk tassels, and the metal is delicately crafted in openwork floral vine patterns with king-fisher feathers and glass inlays. Such large set of triple norigae decorated dress worn at great court ceremonies.