Mat

This mat was laid out on the ground for the user to sit or lie down on it. A variety of such mats were produced using different materials, from rough mats designed to be used for drying crops, to high-quality ones adorned with numerous motifs. In order to address the discomfort of sitting directly on the floor in a sedentary lifestyle, mats of various forms were produced using common materials easily obtained from the surroundings such as straw or bushes. The types of mat varied, ranging from a cloth-fringed rush mat made of sedge, to a straw mat used when a large number of guests were gathered at feasts. A bamboo mat is made by weaving thin bamboo strips, and was spread on the main floor during summer seasons. Hwamunseok, or figured mat, was made by weaving dyed sedge, and was favored during the summer season, also serving a decorative purpose due to its diverse and beautiful motifs. In particular, the smooth texture and water-resistant property of sedge’s skin led to the widespread use of hwamunseok for cooling down in the summer heat. Jiseung mat, or paper string mat, was made by densely weaving paper strings in a rectangular shape before applying oil on the surface.