Chiayi City Jiao Zhi Pottery Museum

　　Jiao Zhi pottery originated from Han Dynasty green glaze. It has been greatly influenced by the export trade ceramics of the Qing Dynasty as well as the popularity of low-temperature glazes. From early single-color, tri-color, and five-color pieces to today’s multi-colored Jiao Zhi pottery, it is classified as low-temperature polychrome pottery. In Japan, it is called “Chiayi ware.” Since most contemporary Jiao Zhi pottery artists learned their craft in Chiayi, the city is known as the hometown of Jiao Zhi pottery, and the first Jiao Zhi Pottery Art Festival was held in 1997.

　　Introduction

　　The Chiayi City Jiao Zhi Pottery Museum introduces the history and related information about the development of Taiwan’s Jiao Zhi pottery, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate the beauty of Jiao Zhi pottery firsthand. The museum is divided into six main sections: Zone 1 / The Beauty of Jiao Zhi Pottery, Zone 2 / The Origins of Jiao Zhi Pottery, Zone 3 / Jiao Zhi Pottery and Architectural Decoration, Zone 4 / Innovations in Jiao Zhi Pottery, Zone 5 / Contemporary Artists’ Area, and Zone 6 / Special Exhibition Area, showcasing the evolution and innovation of Jiao Zhi pottery over the years.

　　In addition, there is a Children’s Creation Area that displays works created by children; the Little Tots Pottery House — consisting of five kiln-like structures equipped with computer multimedia, where children can learn about Jiao Zhi pottery with the help of computers; the museum also features a Jiao Zhi Pottery Glazed Poetry Screen Area displaying verses about Jiao Zhi pottery written by Chiayi poet Chen Jianhun; furthermore, twenty contemporary Jiao Zhi pottery masters were invited to create a “Wall of Challenge,” using works from different schools to reflect the diversity of styles, all in the spirit of passing on the heritage of Jiao Zhi pottery.

　　Schools of Jiao Zhi Pottery

　　Jiao Zhi pottery can be divided into two major systems: the gem-glazed school represented by Ye Wang (Ye Linzhi) and the watercolor-glazed school represented by Ke Xun. Originally named Ye Shi and styled Linzhi, Ye Wang was from Zhu Luo Da Mao (now Minxiong Township, Chiayi County). He is considered the founding father of Taiwanese Jiao Zhi pottery and the first documented Jiao Zhi pottery artist born in Taiwan. He oversaw the renovation of the Chiayi Chenghuang Temple, among which the Zheng Family Temple in Hsinchu (designated as a third-class historic site) is one of his masterpieces.