Maedeup is the traditional Korean craft of decorative knotting, which is derived from the early practice of using knots in fishing nets and agricultural tools. Maedeupjang is a term for the master in the field of dyeing and knotting maedeup. The action of weaving, tying, and knotting one or more strings is also inclusively called maedeupjang. The art of decorative knotting, maedeupjang, is designated National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 22 by the Korean government. In Korea, maedeup can be found in more places around us than you might think. For instance, in hanbok, the traditional costume of Korea, there is maedeup in the clothing’s collar or belt. Maedeup was first created for practical purposes, such as wrapping or connecting things, but gradually developed from a daily necessity into a decorative function. Maedeup mainly expresses meaning and reflects people’s courtesy and status through colors. Now, let’s explore maedeup’s specialties, history, and various uses.
The origin of maedeup can already be found in relics such as pottery and fishing nets from Korea’s Neolithic Age. Spindle whorls (가락바퀴) and bone needles, which are tools for twisting thread, have been excavated, so it can be said that maedeup was incorporated into various aspects of life at that time. Maedeup was passed down through the generations and was frequently used as a luxury item for noblewomen during the Goryeo Dynasty. As time progressed to the Joseon Dynasty, its uses diversified into everyday life, including palanquins, kites, and clothing. In particular, it is said that during the Joseon Dynasty, the royal court had specialized craftsmen who were experts in maedeup, and they were called maejipjang.
Maedeup is a technique used in almost all aspects of daily life, and in particular, it is an important craft technique for various decorations. Therefore, it is not simply a matter of tying, but also of expressing the spiritual and internal beauty hidden in maedeup. If the strength of pulling the thread is slightly different, the maedeup will not be correct, and if the mind is full of distracting thoughts, the original shape will not be maintained. Therefore, as one of the Korean maedeupjang, Ms. Bong-seop Jeong, said, maedeup is not something that is intertwined with skill, but something that is made with a refined mind. The maedeup technique, which has been passed down and practiced since ancient times, is a traditional craft that requires highly skilled handwork.
A traditional accessory, Norigae, decorated with maedeup
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