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

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.

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.

the reed broom collection pays homage to the reed brooms, resonating with deep cultural significance

meticulously handcrafted these brooms embody a labor-intensive craft

Do hyun Ahn meticulously affixes multiple strands of yellow binder twine to a pre-existing furniture frame

the pops of color enhance the brooms’ aesthetic appeal and imbues them with cultural significance

these brooms require at least four months to perfect

the hues echo the traditional Korean colors in the Obangsang and Organsang palettes

the method of hand-weaving preserves the essence of Korean craftsmanship

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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

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom