Human evolution is propagated through development of the mind. And as mankind’s way of living demands, utensil function also embark on its own evolutionary path. Latest function for utensils continues to be created along the way, and the craftsmanship becomes more and more refined. Take a look at the development of tea cultures across the globe. Tea wares and tea cultures have, in fact, interlockingly binding relationships. Along with changes introduced to tea cultures during different periods of Chinese dynasties, tea ware forms of different periods and tea drinking trend followed suit. The changes often reflect the economic development and cultural values of different eras.
As economy quickly took off in Taiwan during the 1970s, it paved the way for cultural and artistic trends to bloom. At the same time, the Taiwan tea industry, in the name of Tea Arts, or cháyì (in Chinese), soon opened a new chapter for tea drinking at the many tea houses and for a booming market for pottery as teapot making and collecting fervors began. Many potters with their liveliness and great potential have come into the scene. They have brought pragmatic and artistic values into the making of tea wares, which in turn leads to the shaping of a new tea culture. That is the backdrop of how modern tea ceremony, or cháxí (in Chinese), after series of attempts made by the tea industry, came into limelight during the past decade. Moreover, Taiwan tea pottery, a more versatile complimenting element in tea ceremony, plays an important role beyond borders both in tea cultures and ceramic arts development. Taiwan's modern tea arts and contemporary ceramic arts, both originally dwelling in separate domains, now resonate and intertwine. At first glance, the influence might appear to be sprung out of young and lively thinking. But, if looking back at the historical context, it is, in fact, tradition-ridden and inheriting tea cultures from past dynasties. On top of that is integration of the cultural heritage of Chinese ceramic craftsmanship. Together, with continuity and innovation concepts, tea arts and cultural awareness of the era are forged.
The exhibition is a theme event planned by the Taiwan Ceramic Society as well as the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute and co-organized with the Taiwan Tea Culture Association. The event unveils the Tea and Utensils Forum as well as the Tea Pottery Culture Seminar. The Tea and Utensils Forum invites three ceramic artists and three specialists from tea industry to expound their views on tea wares quality and characteristics of the tea and how the two compliments each other. In addition, the seminar launches essay presentation on the agenda, inviting colleges and universities to participate. Through a series of events, the tea industry and the ceramic arts circle are bound to generate food for thoughts. Cultural identity and innovative start-ups values might eventually be added to the tea and the tea wares.
Exhibition Duration: 2019.6.5-8.8
Venue: 3F, Taipei Branch, National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute /NO. 41, Nanhai Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays (Including national holidays): 09:30-17:30