seungbin yang combines paper & ott-chil lacquer in 21 grams collection

seungbin yang combines paper & ott-chil lacquer in 21 grams collection
all images courtesy of seungbin yang

ott-chil is a traditional korean lacquer technique that is capable of producing highly-durable finishes on a range of surfaces. due to the level of intricacy required to obtain the material, derived from the secretions of the ott tree, it is often viewed as the best material for tablewares. unfortunately, the craft is on the verge of extinction. craftsmen who have for years been the sole carriers of tradition are slowly passing on or retiring, many leaving without successors. designer seungbin yang, based in eindhoven, the netherlands, attempts to revive the technique in the ’21 grams’ tableware collection.

stacked cups and bowls

constructed with laser-cut paper, rather than traditional wood, ’21 grams’ emphasizes ott-chil’s best qualities — waterproof, durable, sterile, eco-friendly — in a way that sits between luxury and everyday object. lacquer was applied much in line with convention, but due its underlying material it is in reality much different. yang hopes that ’21 grams’ will surprise in its drastic contrast between look and actual weight, and its functionality as as tableware despite its paper construction. 

small bowl 

long tray 

lacquered cup 

collection detail  

tableware set 

folding laser-cut paper section 

lacquer application 

sanding

final polishing 

finished tableware

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: nick brink | designboom