South Korean Knot Art Showcased in Australian Exhibition
An exhibition celebrating the intricate beauty of traditional Korean knots, known as “maedeup,” is now on display in Sydney, Australia. This showcase, organized by the National Folk Museum of Korea in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre Australia, opened on August 6 and will run through September 27 at the Korean Cultural Centre in Sydney.
The exhibition features around 130 pieces, including remarkable works donated by the esteemed knot artisan Lee Boo-ja. These pieces highlight the rich history, diverse forms, and the tools used in the ancient craft of Korean knot-making. Visitors can marvel at exquisite items such as a jade-colored scented ornament adorned with delicate feathers, and a striking tricolor ornament interwoven with silver ‘longevity and good fortune’ characters in vibrant red, yellow, and green threads.
The exhibition not only showcases the artistic beauty of these knots but also their functional uses in everyday life, as seen in items like rosaries, prayer beads, and necklaces. Among the standout pieces is an oversized rosary, which measures an impressive 1.9 meters in length, demonstrating traditional knotting techniques on a grand scale.
To provide a more interactive experience, the exhibition includes a traditional Korean wooden porch within the space. Visitors can sit and engage with 10 different knot models, offering a hands-on opportunity to appreciate and learn about this intricate and historic art form.
