Christmas Edit

A ceramic studio founded in 2020 by the exceptional talent Hyun Tae-su reimagines the timeless elegance of early Joseon porcelain for contemporary living. Hyun’s work masterfully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, introducing baek-ja (Korean porcelain) to a new generation. 

Using raw porcelain clay refined through the Subi method, his creations radiate authenticity, elevated by light bronze glazes that shimmer under natural light, reflecting a harmonious blend of Joseon aesthetics and a minimalistic approach.

Known as Mok-su (“carpenter” in Korean), the artist practices meditative woodcarving, relying solely on hand tools to forgo modern machinery. Starting with a block of wood and no planned design, he carves intuitively, with even the smallest works taking days to complete. Each piece reflects subtle variations, embracing neither perfection nor imperfection.

Deeply connected to nature, Mok-su crafts a natural color palette using materials like charcoal, indigo, herbs, and minerals. These pigments, combined with techniques such as burning, brushing, and polishing, result in extraordinary textures and lifelike details in every creation.

Jo Hee-jin is a young ceramist who explores emotion through unconventional, organic ceramic objects. Her works challenge the utilitarian norms of South Korean ceramics, often resembling living creatures with their intricate structures made from thousands of button-sized clay patches.

Working swiftly to prevent the clay from drying, Jo emphasizes repetition and variation, letting the clay and her emotions guide her process. Deliberately leaving her pieces “incomplete and imbalanced,” she invites viewers to engage with their raw, dynamic essence.

Innovative ceramicist Yun creates tactile ceramics using his signature technique, Cheomjang, a contemporary evolution of a 15th-century tradition where white slip is applied to decorate pottery. His exceptional work has gained recognition and been acquired by prestigious institutions, including the V&A in the UK.

Yun extends this method by repeating the process up to a hundred times, crafting sensational surfaces with natural, irregular marks using a traditional rice straw brush. He forms intricate spikes that range and connect over the pots’ surfaces, adorning these textured peaks with gold to celebrate the transformation of tradition into contemporary artistry.

Born in Busan, South Korea, Kim is a self-taught woodturner who has been practicing since 2013.

Kim is drawn to wood that reveals the passage of time. He finds inspiration in the intricate patterns left by insects, the weathered textures shaped by rain and wind, and the hues brought about by decay. Embracing these natural imperfections, he builds upon their narrative, acknowledging nature’s imprint with reverence.

For Kim, the essence of his work lies in showcasing the innate beauty of the material itself—prioritizing its character over considerations of design or practicality.