Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, textile artist Youngmin Lee is familiar with bojagi being used in daily life. She says, “Although I have always loved fabrics and colours, growing up, I didn’t place much value on bojagi. Though I have since come to appreciate the rich history and culture associated with this traditional textile.”
Bojagi is a broad term but, essentially, it is a Korean wrapping cloth, which has various functions, such as wrapping, covering, carrying and storing items – and they also contain wishes for happiness. Those used for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays or religious rituals, tend to be more elaborate, with simpler bojagi used for practical purposes like covering tables or food, or carrying goods. During the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), there were two categories…
