Maedeup: The Art of Traditional Korean Knots

by Hee-Jin Kim

Maedeup is the ancient Korean art of intricate ornamental knot making, often used with clothing and decorating home interiors. It is a language of the hands, a flower of the heart. Maedeup is ingrained in Korean culture and art, seen adorning a Joseon nobleman’s coat or serving as the wings of butterflies and phoenixes dangling from silver daggers. In the aftermath of social upheaval in the first half of the 20th century, traditional knot making was quickly becoming a dying art. Kim Hee-jin embarked on a quest to learn the techniques of creating traditional Maedeup and Dahoe (knots and cords) from the last surviving artisans of the craft. After studying the various techniques with the masters, Kim organized and developed them into the art of Korean traditional ornamental knot-making, known as Maedeup. This book introduces the history of Maedeup, its uses, and the making of Maedeup, through detailed explanations and illustrations.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2006