Kengo Kuma Transforms Yixing’s Pottery Heritage with UCCA Ceramics Museum

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As a connoisseur of architecture and a lover of ceramics, I must say that the UCCA Ceramics Museum is nothing short of breathtaking. Having traversed the globe in search of the most exquisite examples of both fields, I can confidently declare that this museum stands tall among them all.

The UCCA Ceramics Museum, crafted by Kengo Kuma and Associates, stands as a fresh symbol of culture in Yixing – a city famed for its pottery, particularly purple clay artifacts. Often referred to as the “city of pottery,” Yixing’s rich history with ceramics makes it an appropriate location for the museum. Situated within a larger urban renewal project aiming to breathe new life into the area while safeguarding its traditional pottery legacy, the museum serves as a testament to this enduring connection.

Drawing inspiration from the Shushan mountain, the museum’s design mirrors a series of rolling hills, with its tile-covered roof echoing the heritage of the dragon kiln, an ancient local craft. The structure boasts windows that link it to nearby pottery workshops and the canal, underscoring its historical importance.

Inside, the building features an inverted shell roof supported by wooden lattice beams, creating a dynamic and inviting space for visitors. The museum’s facade, developed in collaboration with local craftspeople, uses ceramic panels with uneven surfaces and glazes that shift with the time of day and seasons, capturing the essence of Yixing’s pottery tradition. According to Art Asia Pacific, the architects describe the panels as having the warmth and texture of Chinese tea utensils, embodying over 1,000 years of pottery culture.

Located at the West Entrance on the Artistic and Cultural Ceramic Boulevard in Dingshu Town, Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China, you’ll find the UCCA Ceramics Museum.

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2024-10-21 20:26