Cover Maedeup are tightly interwoven with great patience and devotion. Threads are braided to create cords, which are tied ever so carefully by hand to create the maedeup (Photo: Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center)
Maedeup are tightly interwoven with great patience and devotion. Threads are braided to create cords, which are tied ever so carefully by hand to create the maedeup (Photo: Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center)
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About 130 ‘maedeup’ artefacts from the 20th century and more are showcased at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, highlighting the richness of Korea’s culture that transcends visual art to fashion and beyond
The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Manila, together with the National Folk Museum of Korea (NFMK), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines recently opened the Maedeup: Korean Knots exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M). Located on the 2nd Floor, North Gallery of The M, the exhibition features maedeup accessories and gives museum-goers a deeper understanding of how this is made, the intricacy of the designs and their meanings, and how Koreans apply this to their modern wear.
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Above In Korea’s traditional daily life, maedeup were used to decorate clothing, accessories, furniture, and daily necessities (Photo: Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center)
In Korea’s traditional daily life, maedeup were used to decorate clothing, accessories, furniture, and daily necessities (Photo: Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center)
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These traditional Korean knots add elegance to their wearers, making them an integral part of traditional Korean fashion. Made of threads and ornamental materials like jade, to name one, maedeup pieces resemble nature with their subtle presence, supporting the wearer with a refined touch without being overstated. Materials found in nature are traditionally used to craft maedeup, with designs reflecting nature’s beauty as well.
Before the opening of the exhibition, distinguished personalities behind the fruition of this project expressed their utmost gratitude for the support of many in showcasing this unique craft that other Asian countries, including the Philippines, relatively share with Korea. Performances of traditional Korean instruments of classical music and some Christmas songs added flair to the colourful and culturally rich ceremony.
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Above Lee Kun-wook, chief curator of the National Folk Museum of Korea; Park Sujin, director of cultural exchange and education division, National Folk Museum of Korea; Tina Colayco, president of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila; Marichu Tellano, deputy executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Madame Lee Eun-hwa, spouse of Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of Korea in the Philippines
Lee Kun-wook, chief curator of the National Folk Museum of Korea; Park Sujin, director of cultural exchange and education division, National Folk Museum of Korea; Tina Colayco, president of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila; Marichu Tellano, deputy executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Madame Lee Eun-hwa, spouse of Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of Korea in the Philippines
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Maedeup are tightly interwoven with great patience and devotion. Threads are braided to create cords, which are tied ever so carefully by hand to create the maedeup. In Korea’s traditional daily life, maedeup are used.
The exhibition displays some of the maedeup discovered from personal collections, which give visitors a glimpse of the affluent lifestyle of their owners. It also presents a visual presentation of the meanings of colours and knots to the Korean people, examples of how maedeup is incorporated into traditional attire, and the contemporary way it is infused in Korean fashion and culture, like in Catholicism. Generally, the exhibition explores maedeup’s rich tradition and some modern applications.
Above Maedeup are tightly interwoven with great patience and devotion. Threads are braided to create cords, which are tied ever so carefully by hand to create the maedeup (Photo: Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center)
Maedeup are tightly interwoven with great patience and devotion. Threads are braided to create cords, which are tied ever so carefully by hand to create the maedeup (Photo: Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center)
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Walking through the exhibition, one understands that the Koreans found a way to bring this craft into the modern generation’s consciousness and that there are limitless ways to use it. Some interpretations include using it as a tassel for handbags and spiritual purposes, like the Catholic rosary exhibited at the National Folk Museum of Korea.
This exhibition was also mounted in Australia until September before coming to The M. The museum invites visitors to participate in workshops at the gallery that will teach them how to craft maedeup firsthand. A section in the exhibition also invites visitors to try on hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, and see two traditional ways to add makeup to one’s ensemble.
Above Rosary created using ‘maedeup’ (Photo: Courtesy of K
Rosary created using ‘maedeup’ (Photo: Courtesy of K
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Beloved for their decorative means, maedeup reflects Koreans’ community spirit. Ultimately, the exhibition aims to deepen the Filipinos’ affinity for Korean culture, emphasising the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“Like the many strands of maedeup, we are intertwined to create a single beautiful design,” expressed KCC director Kim Myeongjin.
Maedeup: Korean Knots will be available for viewing at The M until January 29.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
