The Taiwan Bowl and Dish Museum is scheduled to open today in Yilan County, giving visitors the chance to view over 20,000 pieces — both modern and ancient — from around the world.
The collection, which includes creations from the Ming and Qing dynasties, has been built up over the past 15 years by Chien Yang-tung (簡楊同), curator of the museum in Yuanshan Township (員山).
Chien said he decided to open the museum in order to share his collection with the world, so other people can admire the artwork that he has collected on trips around Taiwan and globally.
Photo: CNA
Even though the older pieces may not look perfect, an intimate connection with the hard work of the previous generation can be felt through the imperfections, he said, adding that modern production of plastic tableware has increased nostalgia for crockery used in the past.
Chien added that a Taiwan feel is evident within the collection with good luck and blessings conveyed through symbolic designs of fish, lobsters, dragons and phoenixes which adorn the crockery.
In addition to these images, elegant plum blossoms, orchids and chrysanthemums from the South China Sea islands adorn other pieces.
On the museum’s first day, the residents of Yuanshan can visit for free, while tourists will receive a 50 percent discount on the usual admission price NT$120, Chien said.
Visitors to the museum will also be able to view a fish-shaped plate, especially designed for the museum.
The plate measures 3.8 meters in length and will hang above the entrance to the museum to welcome visitors, the curator said.
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