GABI

2024

Storage

Exhibited at Onyang Folk Museum (KR)

Ashwood

600 X 600 X 310 (mm)

800 X 450 X 360 (mm)

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For this project, we focused on connecting past and present furniture design by creating a 'soban' that functions effectively in both traditional and modern settings. A 'soban' refers to a small table traditionally used in Korea. Using a fictional scenario based on historical facts, we developed a soban that integrates features relevant to both time periods.

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According to Byeokwisinpyeon (Revised by Yun Jong-ui, a historical text detailing Joseon dynasty's foreign trade), coffee was first introduced to Joseon dynasty in 1852, written as 'gabi' (咖啡) in Chinese characters. Initially enjoyed by a small group, coffee became more popular by the 1880s as Western lifestyles began to influence Joseon dynasty. Many traditional furniture pieces were replaced by Western styles, but some evolved to blend the two cultures. As coffee gained popularity, traditional tea tables were adapted into coffee tables, referred to as 'gabi-sang (咖啡床)', where 'sang' means 'table' in Korean, making 'gabi-sang' the equivalent of 'coffee table'.

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※ This narrative is a reinterpretation based on historical facts.

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Photograph by Mihyun Son