Korean knots, also known as maedeup (매듭), is a traditional Korean handicraft which dates back to the Three Kingdom periods and have been influenced by Chinese knots.
The Korean knotting techniques which originate from China. But Korean knots evolved into its own rich culture as to design, color and incorporation of local characteristics. Korean knotting uses a unique braiding technique. Korean knotting is derived from the ancient practice of using knots for practical purposes; e.g. in fishing nets, agricultural tools, stone knives and axes.[1] [2]
Traditionally, the knots were used primarily to hold hunting tools around the waist and their usage was initially limited to royal families, spreading later to common people. Today, modern Korean artists are using the traditional knots in their works, such as accessories, jewelry and home interior decorations.
Korean knots are tighter than both then Chinese knots and Japanese knots; maedeup is also more three-dimensions than the other East Asian knots.[3] Maedeup also has a longer tassel than the Chinese knots.[4] Another main difference between Chinese and Korean knots is color and type of cord used.[4]
The finished knot has the same shape at the front and at the back, has bilateral symmetry.[5] It can be made using one or two threads.
In neolithic times, Korean knots were used solely for practical purposes; they were tied around the waist and used to carry stone-axes, swords, and other tools used for hunting and food.[6] Tools from the Stone Age exhibit holes where thread was looped through and then knotted. Similar evidence is found in relics of the Bronze Age. The knots were strengthened by twisting or weaving multiple strings.
The oldest record of maedup can be found in Goguryeo painting which dates from 357 AD. During the period of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, people began to see aesthetic value in knots. The Korean knot which used to be only for practical use developed in a form of decorative art.
People started to use them as decorations on clothes, swords, and more. The Samguk Sagi, the oldest extant record of Korean history, describes knot usage in everyday life during the Silla dynasty, noting rulers enjoyed using knots to adorn horses.
Formal knots are depicted in buddhist murals and paintings in the Goryeo dynasty. During this period, knots were widely used as ornaments in accessories and for art. No knots from the Goryeo period survive today.
During the Joseon dynasty, knots became more diverse and elaborate. They were a symbol of high social status and it was considered a sign of dignity and prestige in the royal palace. They were used to decorate traditional instruments and clothes, especially women's garments and jewelry (e.g. necklace, pendants, and earrings). The Joseon rulers hired their own knot-makers to decorate the palace and jewelry for the noble family.
Since the late 1870s, the art of maedup knots started to disappear with the disappearance of the Joseon court and due to westernization.
Demand for knots were so high among Koreans that knots became commercialized. But demand decreased after the Japanese enacted policies designed to obliterate Korean culture and a surge of Western culture into the Korean peninsula shifted traditions. They became rarely seen in public.
There are more than 30 basic types of knots. Some sources state that there is 38 basic knots. But there are vast numbers of variations and regional version on these basic types. Some of the most common knots include:
Knots of diverse colors were used as belts, identity tags, and as a decorative element on instruments. In the ruling palaces, knots were used to signify dignity and prestige. For religious purposes knots decorated Buddhist ornaments.
The most common use of knots was in Norigae, traditional Korean ornaments worn by women to decorate clothing. Norigae were used by all ages and social statuses to emphasize the beauty of Korean traditional costume, as well as decorate pockets carried separately. Though these knots were used across all social statuses, there were also cases when only specific people were allowed to use them. For example, only high government officials were allowed to use knots for decorating fans.
After the establishment of a cultural industry bureau in South Korea in 1994, the use of knots modern life increased, especially in cultural products. Korean knots were also used in the designs of non-Korean artists, usually in forms of the Garackji knot (a basic knot used to fill space and give a classical touch) and the Mangsa knot (used on pouches for jewelry).
1) Lee Jong Kyu, “Study of Fashion design using Korean Traditional Knots” (한국전통매듭을 응용한 패션 디자인 연구), Master's Thesis. Sookmyung Women's College. (2009)
2) Lim Young Ju, "Study of Korean Traditional Knots"(한국 전통 매듭에 관한 연구), Doctor's Thesis. Won Kwang University. (2002)
3) Kim Johnson Young, "Study of accessory design using Korean Traditional knots (한국전통매듭을 응용한 장신구 디자인 연구), Master's Thesis. SungKyunkwan University. (2005)