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Architectural Theater: Story Time with Temple Figurines

People often stop to observe the Koji pottery figurines that ornament temples with their vibrant colors, lively expressions, and dynamic attitudes. Many grandparents bring their grandchildren to watch temple figurines, telling countless stories.

Chiayi, home of Koji pottery, has nurtured numerous artisans of Koji pottery, becoming a place where the masters made their mark. Chiayi established the only gallery displaying Koji pottery in 2000, which reopened in 2020 with a completely fresh look, better preserving and promoting Koji pottery. This gallery welcomes people to come in, hear about the history of Koji pottery, and see some Koji pottery figurines act out their stories.

Next, Koji pottery will be further demystified, and its industry is expected to bloom in a variety of ways. The exhibition, full of interactive fun, creates a dramatic-situation-based space to display our vast collections, offering visitors a comprehensive, broad, and solid experience of Koji pottery.

Prelude | Before The Story

Jog the memory

Speaking of Koji pottery, what comes to your mind?

Is it figurines telling legendary tales, temples with exquisite ornaments, vibrant clay, or finest artisans?

Origin | The Story Begins

Explore the history

Back to the begining and explore the history.

Why is it called “Koji” pottery?

When was it developed?

Who passed it down?

What is “Chiayi Ware“?

It’s almost storytime. Let’s find out the origin of Koji pottery!

Showtime | Story Time With Temple Figurines

Bring the culture to life

The story is about to begin! Temple figurines are showing up to tell the stories. On the grand and festive stage, the Eight Immortals bestow their longevity blessings; the Buddhist monk Tangsanzang and his disciple, the Monkey King, are up next; and Liu Bei, king of the Three Kingdoms era's Kingdom Shu, is going to get a new bride.

Behind the Scenes | Craftsmanship

Reveal the art of Koji pottery

The artisan meticulously pinches and moulds raw clay, sculpts the features, and transforms it into some lifelike figurines or grand settings that serve as the finishing touches to the temple's decoration.

Do you have any idea how many arduous steps are required in the production of pottery?

Let’s enter an artisan’s studio and take a look at the hard work behind the scenes.

Further Scenes | Anticipation

Relish the prospect

Koji pottery has been shown in different places over time, from temples and buildings to streets and parks, and even into people's homes, where it has become a piece of art or a popular cultural and creative product.

To meet the needs of a wide range of consumers and accommodate a variety of lifestyles, the artisans of Koji pottery are becoming more inventive, diversified, and grounded in everyday life.

How do you foresee the future of Koji pottery?

Interlude | Hands-on Projects

Remember the good

Learn about history, see a play, hear historical stories, understand the procedure, and imagine the future...

Do you have a greater grasp and more creative ideas about Koji pottery after reading each chapter? In addition to the typical exhibition, there are other learning activities awaiting your participation!

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