A New Chapter for East Asian Ceramics: The 2027 Asia Ceramic Circle
A landmark collaboration is set to redefine the landscape of contemporary ceramics in East Asia. The Korea Ceramic Foundation’s Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum is spearheading the ‘2027 Asia Ceramic Circle’ – an international touring exhibition involving South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. This initiative builds upon a previous successful project, signaling a renewed commitment to cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
Reviving a Legacy: From ‘Asian Ceramic Delta’ to ‘Asia Ceramic Circle’
The ‘2027 Asia Ceramic Circle’ isn’t a completely new venture. It echoes the ‘Asian Ceramic Delta’ project of 2006-2007, which saw collaborative exhibitions across the same three nations. That earlier project, originating at the Icheon World Ceramic Center (now the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum), was lauded as a pioneering model for international cooperation in the arts. The shift in name – from ‘Delta’ to ‘Circle’ – is symbolic. While ‘Delta’ represented intersection and balance, ‘Circle’ embodies circulation, connection, and expansion, reflecting a move towards a more sustainable and dynamic collaborative structure.
Exhibition Details and Schedule
The exhibition will unfold across three key venues: the Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan (January 15 – March 21, 2027), the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum in South Korea (April 9 – June 13, 2027), and the Kifune Modern Ceramic Art Museum in Japan (July 2 – September 5, 2027). Each location will host the exhibition for 65 days.
A Novel Approach to Artist Selection
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of ‘Asia Ceramic Circle’ lies in its artist selection process. Departing from the traditional model where each nation selects its own artists, the project introduces a cross-national selection system. Korean artists will be chosen by the Taiwanese and Japanese institutions, Taiwanese artists by the Korean and Japanese, and Japanese artists by the Korean, and Taiwanese. This unique approach aims to foster a fresh perspective, moving beyond internal biases and encouraging a broader understanding of contemporary East Asian ceramic art.
This method is expected to generate new discourse and standards within the field, offering a reinterpretation of contemporary ceramics from an external viewpoint.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The project is underpinned by a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in September 2025 between the three participating institutions. This long-term international cooperation aims to not only showcase ceramic art but also to strengthen academic and research ties, and potentially establish residency programs for artists.
According to Ryu In-kwon, President of the Korea Ceramic Foundation, the exhibition will serve as a catalyst for new ceramic discourse, reflecting the socio-cultural shifts of the past two decades. He envisions the initiative as a foundation for enhanced collaboration and long-term exchange within the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ‘Asia Ceramic Circle’?
A: It’s an international touring exhibition featuring ceramic art from South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, aiming to foster collaboration and dialogue.
Q: When and where will the exhibition take place?
A: The exhibition will be held in Taiwan (January-March 2027), South Korea (April-June 2027), and Japan (July-September 2027).
Q: How is the artist selection process different this time?
A: Each country’s artists will be selected by the other two participating countries, promoting an unbiased perspective.
Q: What was the ‘Asian Ceramic Delta’?
A: It was a similar collaborative project between the three countries held in 2006-2007, serving as a precursor to the ‘Asia Ceramic Circle’.
Did you know? The ‘Asia Ceramic Circle’ builds on a 20-year-aged foundation of East Asian ceramic collaboration, demonstrating a sustained commitment to cultural exchange.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum’s website for updates on the participating artists and exhibition details as they are announced in 2026.
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