Vase Model Extension of Life I
Created by Hyeokjin Jung
Korea, 2021
Aluminum, ottchil lacquer, tofu composite (hybrid material)

Measurements
49,5 × 49,5 × 57h cm
19,5 × 19,5 × 22,4h in

Details
Signed by the artist

Edition
Unique Piece

About
Extension of Life I is a sculptural vase that synthesizes traditional East Asian lacquer techniques with contemporary material experimentation. The work unites ottchil, a traditional Korean/Japanese lacquer derived from lacquer tree resin, with aluminum and an experimental tofu-based composite, resulting in a hybrid surface that speaks to themes of material transformation, ephemerality, and renewal. The organic form alludes to both natural growth and pictorial abstraction, creating a contemplative object that bridges craft and conceptual practice.
Hyeokjin Jung’s work often navigates the boundary between functional object and sculptural presence. By integrating materials such as metal, lacquer, and organic composites, he engages in a dialogue about material longevity, resilience, and life cycles—concepts implied by the title Extension of Life. The juxtaposition of industrial aluminum with hand-finished ottchil and ephemeral tofu-derived media evokes a tension between permanence and decay, tradition and innovation, echoing broader contemporary concerns with sustainability and the ontology of objects.