The 20th International Chawan Expo
Period: Nov. 15, 2016 (Tue.) - Feb. 12, 2017 (Sun.)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
Location: First exhibition hall, Miaoli Branch, National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute
(Shuiliuniang No.8-2, Neighborhood 11, Shuiyuan Village, Miaoli City, Miaoli County, Taiwan (R.O.C.))
The history of tea cups (chawan) can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties. With different demands due to changing times and tea-drinking habits, the size of tea cups varies. For example, the “zhuchawan” of the Tang dynasty, the “douchawan” of the Song dynasty, and the “gaichawan” of the Ming and Qing dynasties all demonstrate the differences of tea-drinking culture from the different eras, leading to the various interpretations of tea cups.
In today’s Taiwan, tea cups are often seen as works of art, in addition to their practical functions. Many ceramicists express their beliefs and aesthetics through their work on tea cups. While it may look simple, the process of creating a satisfying tea cup is anything but that. It is extremely challenging for each ceramist to produce a tea cup that represents his or her creative style, one which can be easily identified. We look forward to seeing each ceramist begin by making tea cups in his or her own style. Hopefully, in the near future, Taiwan can create a culture and aesthetics of its own, where tea cups can serve as the ideal ambassador of culture.
The International Chawan Expo has been held in many countries and is entering its eleventh year this year. This time, the Expo enjoys the participation of numerous ceramic artists from Taiwan and abroad. A total of 200 tea cup works will be displayed, which were produced by the hands of ceramists of different nationalities and exhibiting different cultural backgrounds and creative styles. It is an important event for Taiwan’s pottery professionals, and enables an exchange of art and culture.
Eventschedule
Date | Time | Topic | Speaker | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nov. 15, 2016 (Tue.) | 13:00-14:30 | Demonstration of Ceramic Carving Techniques | Alvin Tan Teck Heng (Singapore) Artist | Crafts Practice Room, Miaoli Branch |
Nov. 15, 2016 (Tue.) | 15:00-16:30 | The European History of Ceramic Craft & Art | Dr. Lou Smedts (Belgium) Founder of International Chawan Expo project | |
Dec. 10, 2016(Sat.) | 10:00-12:00 | Future ceramic．Eco-friendly firewood burning | Lin Jui-hua Second-generation owner of Zhunan Snake Kiln | |
Dec. 10, 2016(Sat.) | 14:00-16:00 | Tea Site: Carefree Valley for Life | Tea master: Hsu Jing-wen Musician: Huang Yu-chin Responsible person of Zhan Ju Studio | First exhibition hall, Miaoli Branch |
Jan. 7, 2017 (Sat.) | 10:00-12:00 | Taiwan Tea Ceremony | Chen Yu-ting Lecturer of Da Guan Tea Studio |
The above events are free of charge but a reservation in advance is required. For more related information, please refer to our the official website (www.ntcri.gov.tw).
Advisor: Ministry of Culture
Organizers:National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute,International Chawan Expo project, Zhunan Snake Kiln Implementers: WEYESDesign Co., Ltd., Seven As One Co., Ltd.Co-organizers: 23 Bamboo Studio, Tatung Institute of Technology, WSY Ceramic, EverWell Art Design Studio, Smangus, Da Guan Tea Studio, National United University