Maedeup: Connected through knots

The history of maedeup, Korean knots, dates back to the history of Korea itself.

It can be traced to the ancient Goguryeo kingdom (37 BCE-668 CE). The tomb wall constructed in 357 CE has a painting of a buried person who appears to be wearing a maedeup on his belt. The banners around him also have maedeup attached to them. A mural inside Anak Tomb No. 3 depicts the fabric screen (or curtain) inside the door tied with red cords and decorative elements that resemble maedeup with tailing tassels.

The term maedeup refers to both the technique of interlacing threads and the resulting shape. There are practical knots, used to connect or tie things together, and decorative knots, used to decorate something beautifully or imbue positive meaning.

Maedeup primarily served a decorative purpose, being attached to various objects. They were used to embellish clothing and the body through accessories such as norigae (traditional Korean pendant), belts and gatkkeun (traditional Korean hat strings), as well as everyday items like pouches, fans and glass cases. They were also added to musical instruments, swords for military officers, and even formed part of the funeral bier used during rites.

Some 130 maedeup artifacts and more are showcased at the Maedeup, Korean Knots exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, The M, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The exhibit showcases intricate handmade knots that have adorned Korean clothing, accessories, furniture and ceremonial objects for centuries.

The special exhibit is a collaboration of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, the National Folk Museum of Korea, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Maedeup, Korean Knots exhibition is free and no pre-registration is needed. It will be on view until 29 January 2025.