DAON
Yunhye Kim
See it On Campus: Level 2
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DAON 다온
— a name that carries the hope of all good things to come.
Rooted in this sentiment, DAON brings a contemporary reinterpretation of najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl lacquerware) to the traditional Korean four-way table.
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This project began with this table in my grandmother’s home.
It’s an object I grew up with — always there in the living room, quiet but full of presence.
As I grew older, I noticed how traditional crafts like najeonchilgi were disappearing from our daily lives
— not because they had lost their value, but because the way we live today has changed that these crafts are often forgotten.
In traditional Korean culture, the intricate patterns of mother-of-pearl inlay were often used to convey warm wishes for loved ones.
For this project, I have incorporated these motifs of good fortune, reinterpreting them using modern techniques and materials.
Through this, I aim to breathe new life into traditional craftsmanship by integrating it into furniture that adds both character and joy to everyday living.
More than just a functional piece, DAON is a bridge between past and present — combining traditional craft and repurposed plastic to carry forward the meaning of well-wishing.
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The motifs are inspired by Hwajeopdo, a traditional Korean painting of flowers and butterflies.
Peonies symbolize wealth and honour, while butterflies represent love and prosperity. Together, they convey wishes for a joyful and flourishing life.
This piece is designed not only to be of use but to bring hope — a gentle reminder that good things are always ahead.
In honouring the craftsmanship of the past, the structure of this piece follows traditional joinery techniques — preserving not just its form, but the wisdom embedded in the way furniture was once made.
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Thank you
photo by Justin Park
