The Smithsonian National Museum of Art and the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. invite you to experience the intricacy and artistry of traditional Korean Maedeup, decorative knot crafts used as fashion accessories or home decor, in two free workshops with artist Karen Ahn!

Attendees will be introduced to the art of Maedeup (매듭), a traditional knotting craft with more than 3000 years of history. These braided cords, often woven together with precious stones, gold, or silver, are typically attached to clothing or accessories, or displayed as a part of home décor. While the demand for Maedeup ornaments declined towards the end of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), a resurgence of interest in the practice during the 1960s has produced new forms and engaged audiences worldwide. Participants will take part in this craft revival by learning two of the 38 classic Maedeup knots and use them to produce a complete piece of jewelry.

Karen Kyungwon Ahn (b. 1958, Seoul) works primarily in Maedeup, a traditional Korean knotting art. Ahn began studying Maedeup as a hobby in college and has continued refining her craft over several decade, leading workshops at the Korean Cultural Center New York, the Korea Society, Wave Hill, Stonybrook University, Flushing Town Hall (Queens, New York), and the Philadelphia Museum. Ahn studied design at Sungkyunkwan University for her Bachelor’s before graduating with an MFA in Package Design from Pratt Institute.

To learn more about the art and craft of Maedeup, check out these articles in Korea Magazine and on Korea.net.

This event hosted by the Smithsonian National Museum of Art (NMAA) is co-presented with the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.

Making Maedeup: Decorative Korean Knotting Workshop with Karen Ahn

Location: National Museum of Asian Art, East Building (Arther M. Sackler Gallery), B1 Gallery 27

Workshops: 

• ●Thursday, Oct. 24, 1-5 p.m. (Necklace)

• ●Friday, Oct. 25, 1-5 p.m. (Brooch)

RSVP via the NMAA website here!