Artist Profile: Chen Yong-Hao — A Poet of Earth and Folk CeramicsThe works of Master Chen Yong-Hao hold a distinct and highly recognizable place in the world of contemporary Taiwanese ceramics. While he and his elder brother are celebrated as the "Blue-and-White Brothers," Master Chen has uniquely elevated the traditional folk kiln style to a realm overflowing with vitality.His creative signature is defined by three core pillars:• Soulful Portrayals of NatureDeeply inspired by his personal experiences in river trekking and wild camping, Master Chen observes nature not as a bystander, but as a participant living in harmony with the earth. He excels at carving and embossing vivid, delicate details—such as crabs, frogs, and riverside flora—into the rustic clay. These elements breathe life into every vessel, infusing the tea ceremony with a dynamic yet serene spiritual energy.• The Bold Aesthetic of Folk Blue-and-WhiteIn contrast to the rigid precision of imperial kilns, Chen’s blue-and-white style is characterized by its bold strokes and palpable warmth. Using steady, multi-layered cobalt pigments, he paints with a sense of freedom that evokes a "beauty in rustic simplicity." This style not only preserves the historical essence of Taiwanese ceramics but also injects a modern artistic tension into each piece.• A Return to the Essence of Handcrafted WarmthMaster Chen holds a profound respect for the true nature of clay. His works often feature intentional textures, such as visible earth granules and the subtle imprints of hand-kneading. Eschewing flawless symmetry, he pursues the philosophy of "Great Artistry Appears Simple." To him, a ceramic piece is not a cold industrial product, but an emotional vessel carrying the artist’s warmth, designed to resonate deeply with the tea master. "The work of Chen Yong-Hao is an invitation to bring the entire mountain forest into your tea space. Through his bold blue-and-white strokes and meticulous ecological observations, he shatters the coldness of traditional vessels. Every trace of his touch is a manifestation of the creative passion ignited by his journeys into the wild. To own his work is not merely to possess a tea vessel, but to collect a warm, living soul from the earth itself."
