Terracotta Loop, a limited series by Korean ceramicist Jihyun Kim made in response to Relay’s invitation to produce a work experimenting with a new material, process or format.

Accepting the invitation to take part in the second commissioning round by Relay Design Projects, Jihyun Kim proposed a ceramic series inspired by the Korean tradition of Geumjul(금줄). 

Geumjul is the ancient Korean practice of hanging straw ropes to celebrate births and ward off evil spirits. Jihyun re-interprets this tradition into contemporary ceramic pieces with a modern twist, capturing the spirit of cultural heritage in a fresh, innovative form.

Produced while on residency at the Glasgow Ceramic Studio, the limited series of 7 pieces engages with perfecting processes of connecting and suspending ceramic forms through the use of drip glaze as a connecting and supporting material. The process was achieved through tireless experimentation, failure and success. 

The edition also sought to explore terracotta as a ceramic base, a new material for Jihyun Kim. Here, the terracotta acts as a visual stand-in for the rough texture of rope and a counterpoint to the smooth, glossy & colourful brilliance of the gloop glazes.

See more from Collection II here.