▎PEOPLE

During the first six months of 2025, the Museum of the Graduate Institute of Art History at National Taiwan University (NTU) hosted two significant ceramics exhibitions:

• Perceiving Colors: The Chromatic Journey of Early Modern Overglaze Decoration
• Exhibition of Ming Dynasty Ceramics from the Yunnan Region

The first exhibition, curated by Prof. Ching-Fei Shih in collaboration with her graduate students, explored the evolution of overglaze color decoration in early modern ceramics. Divided into eight sections representing eight distinct ceramic producing regions, the exhibition told the global story of how overglaze palettes transformed the history of ceramics. Through its presentation of about 70 examples of daily-use ceramics from the 18th through the 20th centuries—from Japan, China, Europe, as well as Taiwan—the show spotlighted how local workshops experimented with unfamiliar materials and technologies from across the globe to create internationally resonant ceramic styles. With this rich display of vivid colors and engaging designs, the exhibition not only offered academically rich insights but also stirred active public interaction.

The second exhibition, curated by Chair Prof. Ming-Liang Hsieh, focused on archaeological finds in the Yunnan region of Ming dynasty China (1368–1644). The exhibition showcased 63 ceramic pieces unearthed from tombs, primarily locally produced burial items, including blue-and-white ware, utilitarian vessels, and ceramic figurines. These pieces embodied the distinctive qualities of ceramics from China’s southwestern frontier of that period. The exhibition also examined Yunnan’s historical ties with Jingdezhen city and Vietnamese ceramics, offering a lens into cross-border kiln production and regional trade. With themes spanning religion, regional craftsmanship, and burial customs, the show opened up significant avenues for future research. Its deep blue visual motif echoed the understated simplicity of the featured blue-and-white jar, reflecting the tone and aesthetics of the collection.

Since its establishment in 2023, the museum has continued to integrate research and teaching resources to present a variety of exhibitions drawn from the institute’s collections, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. With each exhibition, the museum moves closer to its goal of becoming a leading university-affiliated art institution and a driving force in promoting the humanities and the arts.