Those who prefer traditional "objets d'art" fare should visit the Taiwan Crafts Center in its new location on Nanhai Road. The center functions as part exhibition space and part educational outreach center, where introducing the best of Taiwan's handicrafts is one of its main purposes.
Currently on view until April 26 is a collection of ceramics by the Workshop for the Art of Colored Pottery in a show titled "Tales of Colored Pottery in the 21st Century." What is noteworthy about this show is that it features fine examples of Koji pottery (交阯陶), a style that is becoming unique to Taiwan.
Koji pottery originated in Guangdong, China, and has fueled a vibrant industry in Chiayi County. Koji pottery was mainly used for temple decorations such as Chinese-style fierce lions, gods, and blossoming chrysanthemums and lotuses. The technique consists of a low-heat firing that keeps the colored glazes on the hand-carved or molded pieces vivid and dazzling. The wide range of seductive and shimmery glazes includes cobalt blues, fiery reds, sunny yellows, and scintillating aquas.
The exhibition includes a vast sampling of temple gods, mythological creatures, flowers and decorative plates. In one, the artisan tries to recapture his idyllic boyhood moment, with two boys with shaved heads peering into a well where a lotus floats. Minute attention was given to the patterning of the boys' clothing, to the frog held in the one boy's hand and to the delicate petals of the lotus.
In another piece, a befuddled and animated frog looks at a directional sign, unsure of which way to go, while seated on a slab of tire tread marks. This piece is witty and philosophical at the same time, since, according to tradition, the frog represents one's fortune.
Art Notes:
What: Taiwan Crafts Center
Where: 9F, No.20 Nanhai Rd., Taipei (台北市南海路20號9樓). Tel: (02)2356-3880 ext. 302
When: Until Thursday, 9am to 5pm (Closed Monday)
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