EUL

2022

Cutlery & saucer

Designed for Korea Heritage Agency (KR)

Crafted by Nam-joong Park

Stainless steel

Tea spoon 132 X 28 X 13 (mm)

Dessert fort 147 X 15X 13 (mm)

Cutlery holder 58 X 15 X 8 (mm)

Saucer small Ø78 X 10 (mm)

Saucer medium Ø86 X 12 (mm)

Saucer large Ø98 X15 (mm)

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The EUL cutlery and saucer collection was developed as part of a project organized by the Korean Heritage Agency in collaboration with Korean traditional craft masters. This particular project was carried out in partnership with artisan Nam-joong Park, who has inherited the traditional techniques of the jangdojang, a craftsperson who has historically handmade swords and ornamental daggers (jangdo).

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As modern society has progressed, the practical need for swords and jangdo as personal weapons has rapidly declined, and with it, the demand for the jangdojang’s craft. In response, we sought ways to revive and reinterpret this traditional metalcraft by integrating it into contemporary objects.

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The jangdojang’s technique is closely related to that of a traditional blacksmith, involving highly skilled, manual handling of metal. To highlight this craftsmanship, the design intentionally preserves the hammer marks left during the hand-forging process. To accentuate the presence of these hammer marks, the surrounding areas were polished to a mirror-like finish, creating a striking contrast that draws attention to the textures formed by hand. These marks allow users to feel and perceive the making process of each object, revealing the presence of the traditional craft embedded within the piece.

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The finished cutlery and saucer pieces are individually handcrafted, resulting in subtle variations in shape and size. Rather than aiming for uniformity, these irregularities convey the tactile presence of handwork and celebrate the individuality of each object.