"Bowl" Retains Yilan Flavor – A Bowl Expert Creates the "Yilan Bowl" to Celebrate Yilan
▲ The bowls in different eras and painting styles shown in the photo are all part of the collection painstakingly gathered by Taiwanese bowl and plate expert Jian Yangtong over 20 years. (Photo / Fromthe Taiwan Bowl and Plate Museum’s official fan page, the same applies below)
By the Travel Center / Comprehensive Report
"Peace, Safety, Prosperity, and Flourishing" are the auspicious meanings embedded in four city gates built to commemorate the historical efforts of pioneers who toiled to develop the Lanyang region. This year, Jian Yangtong, a bowl and plate expert from Yilan County and director of the Taiwan Bowl and Plate Museum, infused this ancient blessing into his ceramic designs, launching a series of bowls and plates uniquely representative of Yilan. He hopes that when people hold the "Yilan Bowl," they can fully appreciate the beauty of the local culture that the creator aims to convey.
Known as a "bowl and plate expert," Jian Yangtong is a leading collector of ceramic bowls and plates in Taiwan. Out of an interest in cultural artifacts and local heritage, he began collecting ceramics around 20 years ago. Later, he discovered the unique qualities of Taiwanese ceramics and shifted his focus to collecting local bowls, plates, vases, and other artifacts, amassing over 20,000 pieces to date.
%The museum exhibit shown above is not displayed at the Taiwan Ceramics Museum.
Jian Yangtong said that his collection of bowls and plates is filled with vibrant paintings full of Taiwanese flavor. From the clay body and glaze to the painted decorations, whether it’s plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, or fish symbolizing “having more than enough every year,” each piece reflects the social life, culture, and dietary concepts of Taiwanese society at the time. They also serve as shared memories of everyday life.
The Taiwan Bowl and Plate Museum is the first step in realizing Jian Yangtong’s dream. Most of the items on display in the museum are bowls, plates, and cookware used by ordinary Taiwanese people 50 years ago. Jian Yangtong explained, “Taiwan does not produce kaolin, so early ceramics were mostly made from clay. It wasn’t until about 50 years ago that imported porcelain clay became available.” Bowls and plates engraved with the owner’s name, as well as those with centipede-like patterns or patchwork repairs, authentically reflect early Taiwanese life. These exhibits not only resonate with older generations but also help younger people understand the simple life of Taiwanese society in earlier times.
%His collection is incredibly extensive, with over 20,000 pieces filling entire walls.
%From the Japanese era, the Republican era, and various regions across Taiwan, Jian Yangtong spent nearly a decade systematically collecting and categorizing these items.
The Yilan Bowl, which carries the auspicious meanings of "Peace, Safety, Prosperity, and Flourishing," is a cultural and creative product developed this year with funding from Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture. It was designed by painter Lin Yaotang, who teaches at schools such as Ming Chuan University and Fu Jen Catholic University. Peace and Prosperity are forms of blessing, written in various fonts before firing, not only conveying good wishes but also expressing the concept of savoring Yilan.
Lin Yaotang also developed commemorative bowls themed around the Taiwanese opera style "Luo Di Sao," featuring Taiwan’s unique aquatic plants, and showcasing the "Four Seasons of Serenity" reflecting Yilan’s seasonal charm. These bowls were fired using a semi-handmade “underglaze color” technique by Yingge Ceramics Factory—the only remaining traditional pottery in Taiwan that still produces classic old-style bowls. Ten percent of the clay used comes from Lanyang River’s black clay, and after being fired at 1100 degrees Celsius, the local culture is fused into the final product.
%This year’s newly launched bowls also feature designs by Shi Yi. In addition to incorporating the elements of “mountain, river, person, and family,” the patterns on the bowls also feature various grid patterns arranged in sequence.
%In addition to the bowl shown above, the shop also offers a commemorative bowl representing rural four-season serenity landscapes (right image).
[Taiwan Bowl and Plate Museum]
Address: No. 26, Section 3, Yongtong Road, Yonghe Village, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County
Contact Number: (03)922-3699
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
[Taiwan Bowl and Plate Museum Official Fan Page]
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