Taiwan Today

and Chinaware have been synonymous for centuries. Some of the finest modern Chinese ceramics are made in . Excellent workmanship makes up for mediocre clay. Shown here is moon gate display case of pottery and por­celain made at one of 's 300-odd kilns.

 

Teapot (left top) and flask (left bottom) are imitations, of Ming blue-and-white ware. Decoration of the bird-shaped teapot shows. Indian and Tibetan as well as Chinese influences. Shape of the flask comes from European Baroque perfume container. Floral decoration includes plum blossom, daisy.

 

Three-color dragon brush washer and horse and camel paperweights at left are copied from porcelains of the T'ang dynasty (618.D.). The colors are brown, blue and white. Vases below are purplish blue. In shape, Taiwan-made ceramics are perfect imitations of the past. What challenges the modem potter are the perfect glazes and vivid colors achieved by the ancients. Prices of imitations are reasonable.

 

One of the Peitou workshops of the China Pottery and Porcelain Arts Company is seen at right. This is among 's biggest kilns and a major exporter. Products on the artistic assembly line for decoration by skilled girls include drum stools and large vases. China Pottery welcomes visitors and has a showroom near the First Hotel in . Teapot above has a dragon design and is copied from a Ming original. Ancient kilns were fueled by coal or char­coal. Gas is used to heat 's ovens.

 

ceramics are not entirely imitative, although the shapes and designs of the past continue to be the most popular with buyers. Vases and pitcher on opposite page are of modern design. Tripods at bottom of the opposite page reveal the difference between an unglazed piece of pottery (left top) and a glazed article of porcelain. Teapots above are glazed inside as well as outside. Glaze assures a waterproof pot and helps retain heat. Pot at left is of Chinese design but the shape of that at right shows a Middle Eastern influence. Sauce container (left bottom) is of Japanese rather than Chinese shape. Color of these Widely used pieces is brown or gray to complement darkness of soy sauce.

 

Fat-bodied vase is based on Ch'ing original and is decorated with a landscape design.

 

Birds convey the message of the characters: that bamboo symbolizes peace, tranquility.

 

Four characters of Ch'ing design stand for happiness, health, prosperity and long life (left). Electric version of classical night light ex­ presses wish for prosperity and success (right).

 

Large porcelain plates are used as decorations on buffets or mantles. This one is copied from a Ch’ing original. ’s pottery exports exceeded a value of US$1 million in first nine months of 1971.