Harmony by Debaroun (Dahyeon Yoo)

Straw weaving and plaiting techniques from the Korean Joseon Dynasty have been reinterpreted in leather to create this poised box that contrasts rough and smooth in a complex interplay of textures. Supple vegetable-tanned leather has been soaked, and twisted to create multiple strands, then delicately woven to form an intricate base and lid with a timeless quality. The work emphasizes the importance of harmony and embodies an attitude seeking inner balance and centering in a rapidly changing world. While each individual strand is fragile, when woven together they become strong and resilient. Wrinkles and unevenness in texture, usually viewed as flaws, are instead celebrated as a testament to the natural origins of the leather.