Stories with Tag artisan

• A South Korean grand master on the art of the perfect soy sauce

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  Posted: 2025-05-21 11:19:59

  Verbose tl;dr

  Park Song-nan, a South Korean soy sauce "grand master," emphasizes the crucial role of time and meticulous process in crafting exceptional soy sauce. Rather than prioritizing rapid production, he champions traditional methods involving slow fermentation in onggi pots, lasting years. This allows complex flavors to develop naturally through the interaction of microorganisms with soybeans, salt, and water, leading to a nuanced and deeply savory condiment that elevates any dish. His approach reflects a dedication to preserving culinary heritage and prioritizing quality over speed, highlighting the philosophy that truly great flavor requires patience and respect for traditional techniques.

  Within the hallowed confines of a traditional Korean courtyard, nestled amidst the vibrant tapestry of nature's bounty, resides a venerable grand master of soy sauce craftsmanship, Park Byeong-chang. This artisan, a custodian of ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, unveils the profound artistry and meticulous dedication that underpin the creation of truly exceptional soy sauce, an elixir that transcends mere condiment status and ascends to the realm of culinary masterpiece. He elucidates the intricate alchemy involved, emphasizing that the very essence of superior soy sauce lies not merely in the selection of premium ingredients – soybeans nurtured under the benevolent gaze of the sun and salt harvested from the pristine embrace of the sea – but, most crucially, in the patient surrender to the inexorable passage of time.

  Mr. Park articulates with eloquent conviction that time itself is the quintessential ingredient, the invisible hand that orchestrates the complex symphony of flavors within the earthenware crocks where the soy sauce matures. He meticulously details the painstaking process, from the initial fermentation of the soybeans, known as meju, a process imbued with the whispers of tradition, to the subsequent immersion in brine, a ritualistic submersion that initiates the slow, transformative dance of flavors. This gradual maturation, he explains, allows the subtle nuances of the soybeans and the salt to intertwine and harmonize, developing a depth and complexity that simply cannot be replicated through accelerated, industrial methods.

  The grand master expounds upon the profound influence of the surrounding environment on the final product, noting how the fluctuating temperatures of the changing seasons, the gentle caress of the wind, and even the very air itself impart unique characteristics to each batch of soy sauce. He underscores the importance of observing and understanding these subtle environmental cues, adjusting the process accordingly to coax forth the optimal flavor profile. This intimate connection with nature, this reverence for the rhythms of the earth, is, according to Mr. Park, the very soul of traditional soy sauce making. He laments the increasing prevalence of mass-produced soy sauces, which prioritize speed and efficiency over the slow, deliberate nurturing of flavor, resulting in a product that, while readily available, lacks the profound depth and complexity of its traditionally crafted counterpart. Ultimately, Mr. Park's narrative serves as a poignant testament to the enduring power of tradition, a heartfelt plea for the preservation of artisanal methods, and a celebration of the unparalleled flavor that can only be achieved through the patient embrace of time's transformative touch.

  • South Korea
  • Soy Sauce
  • Food
  • Culinary Arts
  • Fermentation
  • umami
  • Korean Cuisine
  • Grand Master
  • artisan
  • tradition
  • Ingredients
  • Flavor
  • Cooking

  Summary of Comments ( 151 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44050269

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally appreciated the article's focus on the dedication and nuance involved in crafting high-quality soy sauce. Several pointed out the parallel between this artisanal approach and other fields like software development, emphasizing the value of patience and iterative refinement. Some expressed interest in trying the featured soy sauce, while others shared their own experiences with fermenting and appreciating complex flavors. A few questioned the use of the term "grand master," finding it hyperbolic. One commenter highlighted the cultural importance of fermentation in Korea, linking it to the country's history and agricultural practices. The overall sentiment leaned towards admiration for the craftsman's dedication and the article's evocative descriptions of the process.

  The Hacker News post titled "A South Korean grand master on the art of the perfect soy sauce" (linking to a 2025 Guardian article about the same topic) has generated a moderate number of comments, exploring various facets of soy sauce production and appreciation.

  Several commenters focus on the time and dedication involved in crafting high-quality soy sauce. One commenter highlights the stark contrast between the lengthy, traditional brewing process and the quick, industrial methods often employed today, lamenting the loss of complexity and depth in mass-produced soy sauces. Another emphasizes the crucial role of jangdokdae, specialized earthenware pots used in traditional fermentation, and speculates about the impact of the pot's material and micro-organism environment on the final product. This comment thread sparks a discussion about regional variations in jangdokdae and their potential influence on flavor profiles.

  Another cluster of comments delves into the science of fermentation. One user, seemingly knowledgeable about the chemistry involved, provides detailed insights into the reactions that occur during soy sauce fermentation, particularly highlighting the breakdown of proteins and the development of glutamates, which contribute to the umami flavor. Another comment references scientific studies exploring the diverse microbial communities present in traditional fermentations and their contribution to the unique characteristics of different soy sauces.

  A few comments touch upon the cultural significance of soy sauce, with one commenter describing its central role in Korean cuisine and the reverence with which traditional fermentation practices are regarded. Another commenter shares a personal anecdote about visiting a soy sauce brewery in South Korea and witnessing firsthand the meticulous care and attention that goes into the process.

  Some commenters also express interest in learning more, requesting recommendations for specific brands of traditionally brewed soy sauce. A handful of comments offer suggestions, including both Korean and Japanese brands, and briefly discuss the differences between them. One commenter even provides a link to a documentary about traditional soy sauce making.

  While no single comment dominates the discussion, the overall sentiment reflects an appreciation for the artistry and complexity involved in traditional soy sauce production. The comments demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject matter, ranging from the scientific underpinnings of fermentation to the cultural context of this essential condiment.

• All clothing is handmade (2022)

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  Posted: 2025-03-23 02:43:54

  Verbose tl;dr

  Ruth Tillman's blog post "All Clothing is Handmade (2022)" argues that the distinction between "handmade" and "machine-made" clothing is a false dichotomy. All clothing, whether crafted by an individual artisan or produced in a factory, involves extensive human labor throughout its lifecycle, from design and material sourcing to manufacturing, shipping, and retail. The post uses the example of a seemingly simple t-shirt to illustrate the complex network of human effort required, emphasizing the skills, knowledge, and labor embedded within each stage of production. Therefore, "handmade" shouldn't be understood as a category separate from industrial production but rather a recognition of the inherent human element present in all clothing creation.

  In a thought-provoking 2022 essay entitled "All Clothing is Handmade," author Ruth Tillman meticulously deconstructs the pervasive yet often unexamined notion of automation in the garment industry. Tillman posits that even in the context of seemingly fully automated clothing production processes, which utilize sophisticated machinery and robotic systems, the indelible mark of human labor remains deeply embedded within each garment. The argument hinges on the understanding that these complex machines themselves are products of human ingenuity and craftsmanship, requiring extensive design, development, maintenance, and operation by skilled individuals. Furthermore, the entire supply chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the eventual distribution and sale of finished clothing items, is a complex network orchestrated and facilitated by human efforts.

  Tillman elaborates on this concept by highlighting the crucial role of human decision-making throughout the entire production lifecycle. From the conceptualization of designs and selection of fabrics to the programming of automated machinery and quality control procedures, human intervention is indispensable. She argues that the perceived dichotomy between handmade and machine-made is a false one, as even the most technologically advanced production systems ultimately rely on human intelligence and labor for their efficacy.

  The essay further explores the implications of this perspective on our understanding of value and labor within the fashion industry. By acknowledging the inherent "handmade" nature of all clothing, Tillman encourages a reevaluation of the often-devalued labor that underpins the industry, particularly within the context of exploitative practices and unfair compensation that are often prevalent in global garment production. Ultimately, "All Clothing is Handmade" serves as a potent reminder of the human cost embedded within every piece of clothing we wear and prompts a more nuanced appreciation for the complex network of human endeavor that brings these garments into existence.

  • Clothing
  • handmade
  • fashion
  • craft
  • textiles
  • sewing
  • garments
  • DIY
  • design
  • Production
  • labor
  • artisan
  • 2022
  • Ruth Tillman

  Summary of Comments ( 129 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43450515

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally agreed with the premise of the article—that all clothing involves human labor somewhere along the line, even if highly automated—and discussed the implications. Some highlighted the devaluing of human labor, particularly in the fashion industry, with "fast fashion" obscuring the effort involved. Others pointed out the historical context of clothing production, noting how technologies like the sewing machine shifted, rather than eliminated, human involvement. A compelling comment thread explored the distinction between "handmade" and "hand-crafted", suggesting that the latter implies artistry and design beyond basic construction, and questioned whether "machine-made" is truly a separate category. Some users argued the author's point was obvious, while others appreciated the reminder about the human cost of clothing. A few comments also touched on the environmental impact of clothing production and the need for more sustainable practices.

  The Hacker News post titled "All clothing is handmade (2022)" generated several comments discussing the nuances of the author's argument that all clothing is handmade, even when machines are involved.

  Some commenters debated the definition of "handmade." One commenter argued that the term implies a lack of machine involvement, while others pointed out that even machine-made clothing requires human intervention at various stages, from designing and programming the machines to maintaining and operating them. This led to a discussion about the degree of human involvement required for something to be considered "handmade," with some suggesting a spectrum rather than a binary categorization. The example of a 3D-printed garment was brought up, prompting discussion on where it falls on this spectrum.

  Several commenters focused on the economic implications of the author's argument. They discussed how acknowledging the human labor involved in all clothing production could lead to a greater appreciation for garment workers and potentially influence consumers' purchasing decisions. One commenter suggested that the term "handmade" carries a certain cachet and higher price tag, and questioned whether this should apply to all clothing.

  The discussion also touched upon the historical context of clothing production. One commenter mentioned the Luddite movement and its resistance to automation, connecting it to the modern debate about the role of machines in manufacturing. Another commenter pointed out that even before the Industrial Revolution, tools were used in clothing production, blurring the lines between handmade and machine-made.

  A few commenters expressed skepticism about the author's central thesis, finding it overly simplistic or even misleading. They argued that the distinction between handmade and machine-made is important and that conflating the two diminishes the significance of truly handcrafted garments.

  Finally, some commenters appreciated the author's perspective for raising awareness about the labor involved in clothing production, even if they didn't fully agree with the "all clothing is handmade" statement. They saw it as a valuable thought experiment that encourages consumers to think more critically about the origins of their clothes.