Maedeupjang

The art of Korean decorative macramé knotting often entails incredibly complex skills and techniques, which makes it nearly impossible to explain in words. Though the macrame knotting process begins by blending the middle of a string  to divide it into two parts of the same length, tying knots with both parts of the string to from a symmetrical pattern. When the macramé knotting is completed, the artisan must tighten the macramé knots to keep them from loosening. This macramé knotting creates an enigmatic elegance of balance with finely wrought three-dimensional patterns made from a single string. It geenerates countless fashion, house-hold and ritual items, used in both court ceremonies and the lives of the common people, to adorn musical instruments, fans, dresses, flags and palanquis. Also Maedeup’s beauty is an expression and reflection of women’s tender, loving heart that embraces and revers life. Silk thread is the most common material used in making knots, and it varies depending on their colour, thickness and the knotting method used, counted as about thirty three kinds. The beauty of Korean knot craft displaying finely wrought complex patterns knotted with just one silk string is evidence of the wisdom of daily life dramatically transformed into exquisite decorative art.

Since the large pigeon that decorated the kiln, kite, flag and bonus require strong hand works, it was hard to do by women and there were many male knot masters in the past. Her mother, who married her father who did knot as a living, helped in making decorative knots which were used for costume, such as a small soother, a waistband, and a pouch strap. By taking over the family business she inherited all the nobility and tenacity at the same time.

The genealogy of the knot that has followed the three generations continued the flow as it is, and the fourth generation is continuing with Park Seon-kyung who is the daughter of Jeong, Bong-seop. Although Park Seon-kyung has also been working for over twenty years, she still often gets a scolding from her mother. But, Park also accept her discipline without complaint, because her mother was perfect for everything.