traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn’s collection

meticulously handmade from reeds and strings, the traditional korean broom embodies a labor-intensive craft, requiring at least four months to perfect.

Dohyun Ahn edited by thomai tsimpou May 26, 2024 3 min

do hyun ahn’s series honors the traditional Korean reed broom

Designer Do hyun Ahn weaves an ode to the traditional Korean reed broom in their debut series, featuring a chair and a floor lamp. The collection honors the broom as a symbol of cultural significance, transcending its ordinary use as a tool for sweeping floors or dusting furniture. Meticulously handmade from reeds and strings, these brooms embody a labor-intensive craft, requiring at least four months to perfect. Traditionally, these brooms served a dual purpose: everyday cleaning devices that also functioned as talismans against malevolent forces, reputed to repel evil spirits and draw blessings and prosperity into the household. In a modern context, where vacuum cleaners have largely supplanted traditional tools, the reed broom has become increasingly rare.

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 1 — all images courtesy of Do hyun Ahn

color details adorn the furniture and reflect korean culture

Recreating this traditional craft, Do hyun Ahn meticulously affixes multiple strands of yellow binder twine to a pre-existing furniture frame. Then the designer meticulously intertwines nylon twine in blue, red, and green. These hues echo the traditional Korean colors in the Obangsang and Organsang palettes. The vibrant blue symbolizes the wood element and the east direction, evoking notions of growth and vitality. The striking red embodies the element of fire and the south direction, signifying passion and good fortune. Meanwhile, the calming green reflects the wood element and the liver, promoting balance and healing. This meticulous attention to color imbues the broom with cultural and symbolic significance, connecting it to Korea’s rich heritage and traditions. Despite the rapid pace of Korean culture, this method of hand-weaving remains a cherished and time-honored practice, preserving the essence of local craftsmanship for generations to come.

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 2 — the reed broom collection pays homage to the reed brooms, resonating with deep cultural significance

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 3 — meticulously handcrafted these brooms embody a labor-intensive craft

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 4 — Do hyun Ahn meticulously affixes multiple strands of yellow binder twine to a pre-existing furniture frame

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 5 — the pops of color enhance the brooms’ aesthetic appeal and imbues them with cultural significance

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 6 — these brooms require at least four months to perfect

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 7 — the hues echo the traditional Korean colors in the Obangsang and Organsang palettes

do-hyun-ahn-ode-traditional-korean-reed-broom-debut-collection-designboom-1800-02 — the red symbolizes the element of fire and the green the wood element and the liver

traditional korean reed broom becomes yellow woven furniture in do hyun ahn's collection - 8 — the method of hand-weaving preserves the essence of Korean craftsmanship

these brooms served a dual purpose—everyday cleaning devices that also functioned as talismans in a modern context, the reed broom has become increasingly scarce Do hyun Ahn weaves an ode to the traditional Korean reed broom in their debut series the reed broom features a chair and a floor lamp

project info:

name: Reed broom Series
designer: Do hyun Ahn | @do_hyun_ahn

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