The Hong Lim Association comprising of graduates from Hongik University's Carpentry and Woodwork Department recently opened a special exhibition of chopsticks in the traditional Korean restaurant, 'Hanuri' in Nonyeon-dong, Seoul. Throughout January, the association will showcase the elegance of chopsticks, ranging from common steel and wood to artistic pieces. Each work shows the brilliant wit and creative ideas of the designer.

Cheon Hae-seon, who created matching pairs of chopsticks with designer holders, which can support name cards at formal gatherings.

Another work worth seeing is by Lee Seung-gon; titled "A Needle for Acupuncture" they are chopsticks with rings, or handles to make holding them easier.

Producing such arts designers as Lee Jong-myeong and Oh Joon-shik, the association has hosted the exhibition with Bio Design 20 times since 1981. Oh Joon-shik, managing director of Bio Design said the he chose chopsticks as the theme of the exhibition in order to make the meaning of industrial arts closer to people's daily lives.

(Lee Ja-yeon, achim@chosun.com )