Decadently Designed Dishes

Besides the practical use of serving food, plates can also be works of art, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of their creators or commemorating the historical and cultural characteristics of cities and countries. This thematic exhibition approaches from the perspective of art appreciation, introducing several exquisite plates made using a variety of materials and techniques from the United States, Australia, Japan, and others.

The production of lacquerware is complex and time-consuming. Multi-level polishing and lacquering are required to create an unparalleled piece of lacquerware. The technique employed in this lacquerware plate is called Koma-nuri (spinning top lacquering), where concentric circles of color resemble a spinning top. Continuously spinning tops symbolize good fortune and success in Japan. Therefore, Koma-nuri carries the meaning of prosperity, abundance, and safety.

Gifted by Moriyasu Kamada, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Representatives, Kagawa Prefectural Assembly
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Made by the local glass studio Sghr (Sugahara Glassworks Inc.) in Chiba Prefecture, this glass plate has an elegant light blue tint dispersed in crystal-clear glass. Sghr was established in 1932 and has created over 4,000 types of glass products, all crafted entirely by hand. The production process involves melting glass at 1,400 degrees Celsius, followed by annealing at 600 degrees Celsius. Shaping, winding, and embellishing are all completed in the melting-annealing process, relying heavily on the skills and experience of the artisans.

Gifted by Kensaku Morita, Governor of Chiba Prefecture
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The Seisen kiln is located in Eritani-cho, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The kiln has an impressive and long history, tracing back to its establishment in the first year of the Meiji era (1868). It was originally named Kitade Kiln and was later renamed Seisen Kiln by the renowned Japanese potter Tomimoto Kenkichi when he visited in 1936. The porcelain produced in this kiln is known as Kutani ware, which features the use of bright colors, such as reds, yellows, greens, purples, and navy blue. The artwork frequently includes depictions of flowers and birds or landscapes.

Gifted by Riku Miyamoto, Mayor of Kaga
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Porcelain is made from porcelain clay, which is a combination of minerals such as quartz and feldspar. The production of porcelain involves two to three high-temperature firing processes. The first firing, known as bisque firing, is to shape the clay. After artisans complete the decoration and glazing of the semi-finished product, it undergoes the second and third firings, called glaze firings. This commemorative porcelain plate was specially commissioned for the twinning ceremony between Newark, New Jersey, and Taoyuan City in 2021. The city emblem and representative years are depicted in gold, making this piece highly collectible.

Gifted by Luis Quintana, Vice President of the Newark City Council 
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The renowned producer of white porcelain Höchster Porzellan was founded in 1746. It is the second oldest porcelain factory in Germany. Despite facing various conflicts throughout its history, the molds from its early days have been preserved intact. Today, Höchster porcelain is still crafted using traditional techniques. A piece was even commissioned as a gift for Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Germany. Fired at a high temperature of 1,450 degrees Celsius, the result is lightweight and durable white porcelain. The porcelain plate in the picture features verses from the famous German poet Goethe, symbolizing the country's historical and cultural journey.

Gifted by Axel Limberg, Chief Representative and Executive Director, German Trade Office Taipei 
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Fire, clay, and glaze are the three key elements in the production of porcelain. The control of kiln firing, the composition and color of the clay, and the glazing technique employed by the artisan all influence the final appearance of porcelain products. The glaze typically contains metallic elements, and these metals undergo thermochromism at high temperatures, resulting in porcelain with a rich and diverse palette. The porcelain plate in the picture, with its vibrant deep blue color, echoes the endless coastline imagery of Long Beach, California. The California State University, located in Long Beach, established the Center for Contemporary Ceramics, dedicated to cultivating artisans and promoting the art of ceramics.

Gifted by Robert Garcia, Mayor of Long Beach 
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Silver, with its beautiful silver-white luster and excellent malleability, is well-suited for crafting handmade artifacts. When working with metal, artisans first employ filing and sanding techniques to smooth the material. The metal then undergoes compression and polishing to create a captivating luster. The silver plate in the picture was specially crafted as a commemorative item by Logan City to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its twinning with Taoyuan City. The metal symbolizes the unbreakable bond of friendship between the two cities. The plate depicts the new emblem of Logan City. Like a flower in bloom, the emblem symbolizes the city's vision of generosity, inclusiveness, pride, diversity, and progress.

Gifted by Darren Power, Mayor of Logan City
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