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Floor mat

ca. 1990

Korean, born 1949

Grass woven mats, which do not absorb water, are ideal for sitting on during Korea's hot, humid summers. The cool, shiny mats are often decorated with auspicious designs, in this case the double crane and double key motifs, as well as the double happiness, or shuangxi motif-all associated with weddings. Indeed, this mat was likely made for use in a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. Made in Kanghwado Island off the west coast of Korea, sedge mats have been known in Korea since the Three Kingdoms period (57 B.C.-668 A.D.). The artist Han Soonja, a master of rush weaving, received designation as an "intangible cultural asset" in 2008 for his contribution to Korean traditional heritage.

Woven reed

71 3/4 in. (182.25 cm)

Gift of Marshall and Helen Hatch

92.153

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Explore Korea: A Visit to Grandfather's House", October 23, 1999 - October 31, 2002

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