A Millennium of Craftsmanship: Bizen Ware Pottery Exhibition Opens at Taiwan Literature Base on March 19
This spring, audiences in Taiwan are invited to experience the quiet power and timeless beauty of Japanese Bizen ware pottery—an art form refined over more than a thousand years. As part of its commitment to cultural exchange and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, USE Electronics Co., Ltd. presents the Bizen Ware Pottery Exhibition at the Creative Workshop of the Taiwan Literature Base, running from March 19 to March 30, 2025.
Bizen ware originated during Japan's Heian period (794–1185) and is regarded as one of the oldest ceramic traditions in Japanese history. Characterized by unglazed surfaces, natural reddish‑brown tones, and organic textures formed through high‑temperature kiln firing, Bizen ware relies solely on clay and flame—making each piece a unique expression of natural forces.
Isezaki Kyo, born in 1970, is the fourth son of Isezaki Mitsuru, a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. Since becoming an official member of the Japan Kōgei Association in 2005, Isezaki Kyo has presented his works in numerous solo exhibitions and received multiple awards. His creations preserve traditional Bizen techniques while conveying a refined contemporary sensibility grounded in the raw beauty of natural materials.
Isezaki Shu, also a second‑generation Bizen ware artist, approaches the tradition with a distinctive artistic voice shaped by respect for heritage and a thoughtful, experimental mindset. His works emphasize balance, rhythm, and the natural interplay between form, fire, and time, quietly expanding the expressive language of Bizen ware.
Together, the works of Isezaki Kyo and Isezaki Shu create a compelling dialogue between tradition and individuality, illustrating how Bizen ware continues to evolve across generations.
To further enrich the exhibition, we have collaborated with HEIANKYO JAPANESE TEA HOUSE to offer immersive matcha experiences inspired by traditional Japanese tea culture. Through the deliberate and graceful practice of hand‑whisking matcha, participants are invited to slow down and appreciate the ritual, texture, and aroma of tea.
The workshops will be personally led by Chung‑Wen Su, founder of HEIANKYO JAPANESE TEA HOUSE, who will share insights into the history of matcha, its cultivation and production process, and its cultural significance. Participants will also enjoy traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) and experience grinding tea leaves using a traditional stone mill.
Dates: March 21–23 and March 28–30
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Capacity: Limited to 8 participants per session
Fee: NT$880 per person
Reservation: Please contact HEIANKYO JAPANESE TEA HOUSE via Facebook Messenger or by phone at +886‑2‑2368‑2277 / +886‑2‑2351‑8181
Bizen Ware Sake Cup (Ochoko) Experience: Complimentary Japanese Sake
On March 22, 23, 29, and 30, we will host a complimentary Japanese sake tasting experience using traditional Bizen ware sake cups (ochoko). Visitors aged 18 and above are invited to discover how the porous clay and natural texture of Bizen ware subtly influence aroma and flavor. Valid identification is required for participation.
Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. Alcohol consumption is prohibited for persons under 18. Preserved and refined through centuries of dedication, Bizen ware stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. Through this exhibition at the Taiwan Literature Base, we warmly invite international and local audiences alike to engage with traditional arts, deepen their cultural understanding, and discover how handcrafted works can enrich everyday life.
For more information about the exhibition and related programs, please visit the official event page: https://p.accu.ps/76vx3e
