An exhibition of 100 items of ceramic works, "Tea Ware by Hong Kong Potters 2010", opens to the public at the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware from tomorrow (August 4) to May 16, 2011, giving visitors an opportunity to appreciate the deftness and creativity of 78 local potters.
The works on display are outstanding entries selected from the competition "Tea Ware by Hong Kong Potters" organised by the Museum of Tea Ware last year. This is the eighth event in the series of competitions and exhibitions launched by the museum since 1986. The event has become a major programme in promoting local ceramic art, with the number of awards increasing from three to 13 in recent years, and the cumulative number of winners now more than 50. It also provides local potters with a platform for exchange and emulation.
The exhibition was opened today (August 3) by the Assistant Director (Heritage and Museums) of Leisure and Cultural Services, Dr Louis Ng Chi-wah, the Chief Curator of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Mr Tang Hoi-chiu, and three adjudicators of the competition "2010 Tea Ware by Hong Kong Potters", Ms Li Wei-han, Dr Ma So-mui and Ms Yim Wai-wai.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Ng said that with the introduction of a new category for students, the exhibition could encourage more youngsters to engage in ceramic art. He said the museum received a record of more than 420 entries from 258 entrants, which reflected the enthusiasm and dedication of local professional and amateur potters to ceramic art.
Dr Ng noted that the tea ware on display reflected a great diversity of artistic tendencies, professional training, experience from daily life and the unique perspectives of Hong Kong potters.
"Their creative ingenuity, meticulous thinking and innovative talent are fully demonstrated. This exhibition has provided a golden opportunity for local potters to share their creative experience. It also gives the public a glimpse into the fascinating world of contemporary pottery," Dr Ng said.
The results of the latest competition are as follows:
The first prize in the open category was won by "To Museum of Tea Ware" by Tsang Cheung-shing. The second and third prizes went to "Childhood memories" by Yolanda Chan Yuk-lan and "Sphere" by Chau Yu-shing. The winning entries for the prize of excellence were "The moment" by Au Hoi-chi, "Tea set: 'Handle with care!'" by Anissa Fung Siu-han, "Winter snow" by Helen Ho Ka-man, "Birds" by Lorraine Lo Kit-ling, "War to peace" by Luckner Wong Shek-nin, "Clues" by Enders Wong Sum, and "Afternoon high tea in Hong Kong style café" by Yau Man-pun.
The first prize in the school category was awarded to "Bending bamboo" by Jonathan Law Wang-kit. The second and third prizes went to "Admiration of ancient wares" by Samson Choi Tsz-wai and "Tea set in the form of octopus" by Ho Ching-nam.
These winning entries are now on display along with the works by winners of the prize of excellence, and other selected works. To complement the exhibition, an education corner with interactive games has been set up in the galleries to offer visitors an insight into the production techniques of tea ware as well as the imaginative creations of local potters.