chaehoon moon creates tableware made with secret korean heritage technique

chaehoon moon creates tableware made with secret korean heritage technique
all images courtesy of chaehoon moon

korean designer chaehoon moon has created a tableware collection called ‘damoon‘ with a know-how that is unique in the entire world, deriving from the secrets of ancient korean traditions. ‘damoon’ tableware references and resembles both the full moon and new moon. each collection comprises one large-sized bowl that can be used for various purposes and two plates of different sizes. the pieces are made from resilient, and long-lasting natural materials such as yuhgee, a korean brassware, and ott-chil, a korean lacquer.

the tableware resembles the moonlight with the material contrast of light and shadow

yuhgee is an alloy of copper and tin that has heat and cold preserving properties. it has been used for generations in korean royal and noble families because of its subtle and elegant gloss. in korean tradition is called ‘bowl of life’ because it changes its color into black when in contact with food containing toxic ingredients, warning the person using it.

video © damoon

ott-chil is a type of korean lacquer work that is done by adding the secretions of the ott-tree, released as a protective response to wounds. collecting this from the ott-tree is an intricate and difficult process that can be done only by experts. the lacquer has excellent resilience against wearing off, and the colour is very elegant. this is why it has long been treated as the very best material for tableware in korea, japan, and china.

a top view of the collection shows attention to detail and elegant finishes

the ‘damoon’ collection tableware, thanks to its design and material selection offers not only a timeless and elegant aesthetic but also a piece that promises to be durable.

the full moon collection has the gold material in the bottom while the new moon has it on top 

the tableware has the curvature of the rich full moon

image of full moon bowl: gold in the bottom

image of new moon bowl: gold on top

designer chaehoon moon while working on the collection

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: juliana neira | designboom