The Chinese character for bat is pronounced the same as the character for good fortune (in Korean, “복” or “폭탄”). This similarity led to bat images being embroidered on pillow ends and incorporated into furniture designs and fittings as a symbol of good fortune.
As bats were believed to live for a long time, their image was also used as a symbol of longevity.
A design featuring five bats, known as “Obok” (which means “five blessings”), represents the five fortunes: longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a natural death.
Bats’ motifs were often found on metalwork like hinges and pullers used in traditional Korean furniture.
