🥢 The Story of Korean Ottchil Spoons: Embracing Thousands of Years of Tradition
Wood has been a deeply cherished material in Korean life and dining for ages. But as a natural material, wood is vulnerable to moisture, mold, and pests — which often cause damage. The traditional Korean technique of ‘Ottchil’ (lacquer coating) beautifully solves this problem.
Ottchil is no ordinary paint. It’s a refined sap collected from the lacquer tree and hand-applied layer by layer with a brush — a unique traditional finishing method dating back to before the Three Kingdoms period. From royal decorations and Buddhist temple altars to household heirlooms, ottchil has been a living part of Korean culture for centuries.
🌿 Ottchil: Nature’s Protective Shield
Why do artisans put so much effort into repeatedly applying and drying layer after layer?
Because ottchil is not just a color — it’s a natural protective barrier. It boasts powerful antibacterial properties, killing 99.9% of bacteria and mold, making it perfect for utensils that touch your mouth.
It also provides excellent waterproofing and moisture resistance, extending the life of wooden spoons and bowls. Here’s a fun fact: ottchil actually brightens over time. Not fading, but revealing a blooming grain pattern on the surface — Koreans call this phenomenon ‘ott is pinda’ or “the lacquer blooms.” The older it gets, the more elegant and unique it becomes — a true natural masterpiece.
👨🔧 Crafted with Care: Leeshin Workshop’s Ottchil Spoons
Leeshin Workshop keeps this beautiful tradition alive. Their ottchil spoons are not just wood with lacquer; they carefully select fine domestic hardwood and apply over nine coats of lacquer and sanding by hand.
This meticulous process smooths the surface and ensures a safe, comfortable spoon you can trust to put in your mouth every day.
The craftsmanship extends to design too — the size of the spoon’s head, balance in your hand, and the angle it meets your mouth are all thoughtfully perfected for daily comfort.
Especially notable is the ‘Yoon (潤) – Pearl’ collection. First, a base coat of refined black lacquer is applied, then fine sanding, followed by a high-grade refined ottchil lacquer with shimmering pearl gloss to finish.
This ‘Yoon-Pearl’ lacquer offers deep shine and strong durability, taking over 90 days to complete — a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans.
Its glossy pearl finish retains timeless beauty, while the smoothness and weight add a touch of elegance to your everyday dining.
Combining traditional ottchil techniques with modern aesthetics, the Leeshin ‘Yoon-Pearl’ set is the ultimate choice for premium lacquerware lovers.
🍽️ Who Will Love Ottchil Spoons?
- Parents with young children: Safe to use with zero harmful chemicals.
- Seniors: Lightweight and gentle on sensitive gums.
- Those sensitive to noise: No metallic clinking sounds, making meals peaceful.
- Eco-conscious people: A natural, sustainable alternative to plastic utensils.
🧽 How to Care for Your Ottchil Cutlery
- Wash gently by hand with a soft sponge and mild soap.
- Avoid soaking in water for long periods.
- Do not use microwave or dishwasher to prevent warping or lacquer damage.
🔗 Discover Leeshin Workshop’s Ottchil Spoons
– LEESHIN Premium Korean Refined Ottchil Spoon & Chopstick Set – Yoon (Pearl) for 2
– LEESHIN Premium Refined Ottchil Spoon & Chopstick Set – “Yoon (潤)” Charcoal Edition
– LEESHIN EESHIN Ottchil Spoon Set
