Mini Rectangle Tray Table (Soban)
Mini Rectangle Tray Table (Soban)
Mini Rectangle Tray Table (Soban)
Mini Rectangle Tray Table (Soban)
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Mini Rectangle Tray Table (Soban)

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$185.00
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$185.00
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Kim Hyun Kyung
Walnut Wood
Dimensions: 9.5L x 3.5H x 4W

Traditionally, tray tables called Sobans were used as individual writing tables, alters for prayers and burning incense, or trays for food and dining to be used while seated on the floor. Artist Kim Hyun Kyung wanted to preserve the tradition of soban, but as many Koreans eat at western tables, she wanted to make a tabletop soban to be enjoyed in our modern age. Kim Hyun Kyung makes the table top using a CNC machine, but hand carves each of the individual legs, which is another way she merges modern and tradition together. Her mini soban is coated in Mono Coat, so you are able to serve food like desserts and tea. Soban making is considered an important intangible cultural property.

Note: Namu Home Goods GIFT SHOP item. This piece is not gallery-quality, but instead for everyday use and enjoyment. 

Care: Dust occasionally. If used with food, wipe with a damp cloth and dry. Do not use in dishwasher and do not submerge in water. 

Kim Hyun Kyung mini soban

She wanted to make a tabletop soban to be enjoyed in our modern age.

Woodworking artist Kim Hyun Kyung was always drawn to the arts and loves nature (her parents are farmers in rural Chungcheong Province). Kim initially learned woodworking from a friend who studied the art form in the United States at RISD. She spent three years working with this friend and worked together to make furniture. After that time, started her work making sobans. She wanted to preserve the tradition of soban, but as Koreans eat at western tables, she wanted to make a tabletop soban to be enjoyed in our modern age. When she first started her practice, it was with hyper modern soban design, but now she works with a hybrid of both modern and traditional design.

Kim Hyun Kyung mini soban
Woodworking artist Kim Hyun Kyung