Banchan Bowl


For large gatherings, households and restaurants typically array multiple gyojasang—low, folding tatami tables—in a single line, spreading banchan and dishes across them.
For large gatherings, households and restaurants typically array multiple gyojasang—low, folding tatami tables—in a single line, spreading dishes across them.
A CNC-machined mold was fabricated to withstand the pressure of the vacuum former, onto which a sheet of ABS plastic was formed.
A CNC-machined mold was fabricated to withstand the pressure of the vacuum former, onto which a sheet of ABS plastic was formed.
Limited table space
Limited table space
Diners constantly reach for and pass side dishes
Diners constantly reach for and pass side dishes
The shape and colors were inspired by the cheongja ceramic and dolsot stone bowl, the most common types of traditional dishware in Korea.
The shape and colors were inspired by the cheongja ceramic and dolsot stone bowl, the most common types of traditional dishware in Korea.



Although the abundance of the shiksa is its unique appeal, the sheer number of plates introduces frictions that can detract from the experience.
Although the abundance of the shiksa is its unique appeal, the sheer number of plates introduces frictions that can detract from the experience.
Piles of plates to wash
Piles of plates to wash


What makes it such a unique dining experience are the numerous components involved.
Dishes are typically carried back and forth on a large tray called jaengban which includes:
What makes it such a unique dining experience are the numerous components involved.
Dishes are typically carried back and forth on a large tray called jaengban which includes:
Banchan - Side dishes, commonly served in sets ranging from four to ten
Yori - Main dish cooked fresh for the meal
Jang - Dipping sauces
Bap + Guk - Individual servings of rice and soup












Stackable form
Stackable form
Table space is optimized with the sauce dishes nestled between the bowls, while the curved edges make it easy to place other dishes or Youri’s beside them.
Table space is optimized with the sauce dishes nestled between the bowls, while the curved edges make it easy to place other dishes or Youri’s beside them.

Later versions of the Youri would look into different materials and color like melamine or silver- and gold-finished stainless steel, drawing from common Korean dishware.

Later versions of the Youri would look into different materials and color like melamine or silver- and gold-finished stainless steel, drawing from common Korean dishware.
YOURI
A modern solution to a centuries-old tradition of Korean dining

Year
2024
Duration
4 Weeks
Location
Brooklyn, New York
Instructors
George Eistreich
IDEATION
DESIGN ON TRADITION
Inspired by the jaengban tray, the design explores a singular tableware piece that consolidates all the shared elements of the meal.
Echoing the floral patterns of dancheong, the traditional Korean art in palaces and temples, the structure optimizes space and movement for the diners.







FINAL FORM
RITUAL IN MOTION
In an increasingly fast-paced world where modern life and work can feel isolating, the Youri becomes a vessel to connect with family, friends, and colleagues through rich Korean etiquette.
The Youri reduces physical complexities, keeping attention on the meal and conversation, while preserving social ritual through the collective coordination of rotating dishes.

FINAL FORM
RITUAL IN MOTION
In an increasingly fast-paced world where modern life and work can feel isolating, the Youri becomes a vessel to connect with family, friends, and colleagues through rich Korean etiquette.
The Youri reduces physical complexities, keeping attention on the meal and conversation, while preserving social ritual through the collective coordination of rotating dishes.
PROCESS
SCALABLE DESIGN
Designed with mass production and stack-ability in mind, the food tray avoids undercuts to accommodate manufacturing processes such as compression molding and vacuum forming, with the latter serving as the final test of the prototype’s feasibility.
Turntables beneath the trays allow the two to rotate like gears, supporting additional main and side dishes for larger parties.
CONTEXT
SHIKSA IS READY
The shiksa (식사), a traditional Korean meal with over two thousand years of history, is a feast for the senses and a deeply communal experience.


CONTEXT
SHIKSA IS READY
The shiksa (식사), a traditional Korean meal with over two thousand years of history, is a feast for the senses and a deeply communal experience.

Year
Duration
Location
Instructors
2024
4 Weeks
Brooklyn, New York
George Eistreich
YOURI
A modern solution to a centuries-old tradition of Korean dining
IDEATION
DESIGN ON TRADITION
Inspired by the jaengban tray, the design explores a singular tableware piece that consolidates all the shared elements of the meal.
Echoing the floral patterns of dancheong, the traditional Korean art in palaces and temples, the structure optimizes space and movement for the diners.
PROCESS
SCALABLE DESIGN
Designed with mass production and stack-ability in mind, the food tray avoids undercuts to accommodate manufacturing processes such as compression molding and vacuum forming, with the latter serving as the final test of the prototype’s feasibility.
Turntables beneath the trays allow the two to rotate like gears, supporting additional main and side dishes for larger parties.



FINAL FORM
RITUAL IN MOTION
In an increasingly fast-paced world where modern life and work can feel isolating, the Youri becomes a vessel to connect with family, friends, and colleagues through rich Korean etiquette.
The Youri reduces physical complexities, keeping attention on the meal and conversation, while preserving social ritual through the collective coordination of rotating dishes.

Spacer
Entree Plate
Turntable
Sauce Dish
Entree Plate
Spacer
Turntable
Banchan Bowl
Sauce Dish