Yoon Seok-hyeon: Ott / Another paradigmatic ceramic

Glazed ceramics are generally not recyclable and usually end up in landfills. In his search for a sustainable alternative to toxic glazing, Yoon Seok-Hyeon came across an ancient technique from his native country, ‘Ott’. The wood resin from the lacquer tree is traditionally used in Korea to lacquer wooden utensils. Yoon applies the technique (also called ‘Ottchil’) to ceramics. His Ottchil lacquered bowls, vases and dishes can be seen in his solo exhibition Yoon Seok-hyeon: Ott / Another paradigmatic ceramic in the Princessehof, which also provides the visitor with an insight into his working process.

The traditional Korean technique has been used for 2000 years and is known for its high quality. Treated with Ott, objects have antibacterial, water- and insect-repellent qualities. The resin of the lacquer tree dries in the air and does not need to be fired. Furthermore, it evaporates when heated. In this way, pure clay can be recovered and the ceramic recycling process is completed.

A more detailed review of this series, published in Ceramic Review, can be found on my Academia page.

Yoon Seok-Hyeon (South Korea, 1992)

Yoon Seok-hyeon graduated from Design Academy Eindhoven in 2019. The innovative use of the traditional Ott lacquer technique earned Yoon the René Smeets Award for the best Bachelor of Arts project. He received a talent development grant from the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie for his Ott series. The South Korean designer works from his studio in Eindhoven. Materials and objects in his surroundings inspire his design projects: ‘I observe and analyse them and try to make the link to design, environment, society and industry.’