Carpathian Forest cup
A Piece of the Carpathians in Your Hand
Hey there! I’m Youngtae Chang, originally from South Korea and now living in Brașov. Growing up in Seoul, my parents’ home was practically surrounded by a “forest” of tall buildings. To get my dose of nature, I often went hiking with my mom. My wife, Em Chang, and I have been married for 20 years, and we’re so happy to be living in Brașov. We love hiking together, and it truly brings me a sense of calm and relaxation.
In a world of mass-produced goods, I wanted to create something genuinely authentic and handmade—something that could truly connect us with nature. That’s why I designed Carpathian forest cup (Cănița Carpatică), crafted from the clay and wood of the Romanian Carpathians. My passion for woodworking began as a hobby back in South Korea, where I fell in love with the feeling of wood. One day, I had the idea to combine these two materials in our cups. I carefully select fresh, dense hardwood branches—like those from birch, beech, apple, and cherry trees, or even roots. After letting them dry for several weeks, I carefully craft the wood so it has a precise recess or groove that interlocks with the ceramic base, creating a seamless and strong joint.
The inspiration came to me one sunny day after a strong storm had swept through the mountains. While hiking, I discovered a branch from a high treetop, brought down by the powerful winds. This very branch, along with the earth itself, became the heart of this cup. You know how sometimes in life, a strong wind can hit us, causing pain or making us feel low? This fallen branch taught me that even in moments of upheaval, there is an opportunity for something new and beautiful to emerge. For me as an artist and creator, that discovery was a true gift of inspiration
This is my way of sharing the spirit of this incredible land with you. Whether you are a visitor wanting to hold onto your memories of Romania or a Romanian seeking a special connection to home. When you hold this cup each morning, I invite you to take a moment to connect with nature and feel the quiet comfort of the Carpathian Mountains. Let it be your daily reminder of Romania, helping you start your day with its enduring strength right in your hand.
Connect with us! Share your forest cup on your instagram story and tag @emchangstudio
You can discover more on linktree https://linktr.ee/emchang
Connect with us! Share your forest cup on your instagram story and tag @emchangstudio
You can discover more on linktree https://linktr.ee/emchang
Caring for Your Cup : This cup features a wooden handle coated with a protective primer and water-based lacquer. To keep it in the best condition, we recommend you always hand wash the cup. After washing, dry the handle with a towel and store it in a dry place. Using a dishwasher can damage the protective coating and cause the wooden handle to crack.
Emchang studio Raku Collection
