Q WHAT IS VOVOCRAFT?

VOVOCRAFT is a company that specializes in lacquerware and operates on a custom order basis. We’ve been modernizing various relics of the Joseon Dynasty, from the najeonpodomunham (vine-patterned cabinet door inlaid with the mother-of-pearl) to adornments used by the royal family, and creating business card holders, writing tool holders, dessert containers, lacquered trays, and others. VOVOCRAFT shows the world the culture of a new craftsmanship new concept that combines traditional crafts and cutting-edge technologies.

Q WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE SOLID WOOD TRAYS WITH TRADITIONAL PATTERNS?

We thought souvenirs must be inspired by national or urban symbols and useful in daily life, but most tourist attractions sell similar things: magnets, Post-its, key rings, stickers, postcards, and masking tape. So, we’ve decided to use the beauty of Korean traditions to let domestic/foreign tourists know of their greatness.

Q WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE CELADON MELON-SHAPED BOTTLE?

Korea has 348 national treasures and 2,200 treasures. The “celadon melon-shaped bottle with inlaid peony and chrysanthemum design” is the Korean National Treasure No. 114, well known for its flexible lines and graceful appearance of oriental melon. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we made souvenirs adorned with the image of such marvelous and outstanding cultural heritage? We are sure it will double the joy of every domestic and foreign tourist and let the world know about Korea’s history and culture.

Q IT’S REALLY INNOVATIVE TO COMBINE THINGS THAT ARE UNLIKELY TO BE FOUND TOGETHER.

We wanted to create not-so-predictable souvenirs equipped with both practicality and warmth. We asked ourselves a thousand questions and found this answer: unity. Sanggam is one of the oldest traditional crafting techniques applicable for metal, wood, and lacquerware. There’s a technique used on lacquerware called “bokchaebeop”(back painting method), which involves painting multiple times from the inside to reveal natural colors on the outside. We colored the mother-of-pearl with traditional Korean colors and applied the sanggam technique to solid wood, making them look warmer and cozier.

Q WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PROCESS?

It was to identify the traditional colors to inlay the lacquerware with. Revealing the brilliance of the natural mother-of-pearl with the colored sanggamtechnique and stacking enough layers of lacquer for lifelong waterproofing were also difficult. If there are too many lacquered layers, a tray will have an uneven surface with marks. It took some time to find the perfect color and concentration for the mixture, not to mention its standardization.

Q DID YOU MAKE ANY IMPROVEMENTS THROUGH THIS CONTEST?

We’ve lowered our prices. We could have maintained the current price (KRW 147,000) for the procedures but decided to lower it to KRW 100,000. Once we lowered the price, thanks to the experience we gained from multiple participations in exhibitions and expos, the consumers’ reaction was instant. Because of this contest, we learned how to set a price reasonable for both manufacturers and consumers.

Q WHICH PIECE OF ADVICE FROM THE JUDGES WAS THE MOST HELPFUL?

The advice about considering making assorted sizes was beneficial. The use of a tray indeed depends on its size. We can expand the scope of our ideas from this incredible piece of advice.

Q ANY FUTURE PLANS?

We are considering making one or more new trays. It would be wonderful for people worldwide to use traditional Korean small tables in their daily lives. We’ll have to study first the physical factors and usage.