was designed to make traditional Korean knots comprehensible and readily available to use for a wider audience.

Chapter 1, “Maedeup: A Historical Introduction”, explores the definition, characteristics, and different types of Korean knots. It also traces the evolution of knots within Korean culture by studying relevant artifacts and history. It then briefly covers how the efforts of a few craftsmen and governmental cultural protection policy saved it from being lost during the midst of industrialization, and introduces nationally and regionally designated knot artisans.

Chapter 2, “Preparing Maedeup”, introduces the materials and tools necessary in crafting knots. It also covers various types of strings and tassels used in knot-crafting, because, in contrast to the past, when artisans specialized separately in thread-making, cord-making, and knot-crafting, contemporary knot artisans do all of the above by themselves.

Chapter 3, “Crafting Maedeup”, contains processes and instructions for making several basic knot forms that allow readers to utilize knots for various purposes. In fact, the simplicity and availability of materials and tools for knot-crafting make it more approachable and easier to utilize for ordinary people compared to other traditional Korean crafts. We would like to thank the master artisan Park Sun-hee for participating in the demonstrations.

Chapter 4, “Enjoying Maedeup”, explores how traditional knots are utilized through knot artifacts and modern knot artists, and introduces works that are adapted to modern aesthetics. In previous studies, the usage of knots was classified according to the subjects knots were attached to. This was because knots have played a secondary role in decorating the subject. In this book, however, the main focus is the function of knots themselves: swinging, hanging, binding, decorating, etc., and are classified accordingly.

It also deals with how knots, which have always played a subordinate role, become the main character, and how they are utilized as such. It was difficult to choose from amongst the abundance of knot works, but we tried to introduce as extensive a variety of knots as possible in order to show how widely knots have been utilized in everyday live. Artifact photographs were excluded if it was difficult to recognize their original form and color, while artifacts with the best-preserved forms and colors were selected and replicas used when no artifacts were available.

Kim Si-jae (Graduate of National Intangible Cultural Property Maedeupjang, Korea Maedeup Research Institute)

Chapter 1

 

Maedeup: A Historical Introduction

 

Definition of Maedeup 14

Characteristics of Korean Maedeup 16

Arts of Korean Maedeup 20

History of Korean Maedeup 26

Transmission of Korean Maedeup 44

 

 

Chapter 2

 

Preparing Maedeup

 

Maedeup Materials 48

Knot-crafting Tools 53

 

 

Chapter 3

 

Crafting Maedeup

 

Dorae Maedeup, Double Connection Knot 64

Yeonbong Maedeup, Lotus Bud knot, Chinese Button knot 67

Garakji Maedeup, Finger Ring Knot 70

Saengjjok Maedeup, Ginger Knot, Clover Leaf Knot 73

Gukhwa Maedeup, Chrysanthemum Knot 76

Nalgae Maedeup, Wing Knot, Double Coin Knot 80

Dongsimgyeol Maedeup, One-In-Heart Knot 83

 

 

Chapter 4

 

Enjoying Maedeup

 

Swaying: Ceremonial Maedeup 88

Hanging: Indoor Maedeup Ornaments 94

Draping: Maedeup for Pendants and Headdresses 100

Hanging: Maedeup for Personal Belongings 108

Tying: Cords for Sashes and Maedeup for Pouches 114

Adjusting: Maedeup Buttons 124

Decorating: Net Ornaments 128

In the Spotlight: Modern Maedeup 134

 

 

Appendix

 

Masters 152

Craft & Design Map 153

List of Artifacts and Illustrations 154

Bibliography 158

Collaborators 159

Cooperation Organizations 160

Index 161

The history of knots dates back to the beginning of mankind. It is also a universal technology, ubiquitous across the East and the West, from ancient to modern times. Knots have evolved differently within various cultures, and in Korea, silk threads were plaited into strings, and these strings were knotted into geometric lines and surfaces, ultimately evolving into an elegant textile art form used widely in clothing, ornaments and living space decorations.

Maedeup, Korean traditional decorative knots, perfectly reflects the wisdom, creativity and the sense of aesthetics of the Korean with its exquisite plaiting and knotting. For the book Maedeup: Korean Traditional Decorative Knotting we asked multiple experts for advice, for the purpose of retracing the values and merits of the traditional Maedeup and bringing them to a wider audience, in anticipation that the outstanding sense of beauty and technique of the traditional decorative knotting would be handed down to the next generations. We would like to extend our gratitude to the designated Maedeup skill holders and their pupils of Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Maedeup artists and museum personnel for their cooperation, to our consultants for their in-depth comments and interpretations, and to the writing and editing staff who devoted themselves to the work with passion and professionalism even under the most adverse conditions. We hope that this book brings the merits of our Maedeup tradition to artisans, designers and laymen who are interested in this valuable heritage.