About Jiao-jer Pottery交趾陶

Jiao-jer is a type of “soft” or lowtemperature pottery whose splendid glazes distinguish it as the “jewelry of glazed pottery”. Jiao-jer evolved from “Tang Sung” pottery. Its tricolor (green, red and yellow) glazes were developed during the Liao period of the Sung era in Jiao-jer, in the southern part of Kwangtung. At its peak during the Qing dynasty, this pottery came to be known by its place of origin.

During the Qing dynasty, Yeh-wang, a native of Chia-yi, and his apprentices brought this art home to Taiwan. When he started out, Yeh-wang’s work featured red and black glazes, the black formed by a mixture of red and green pigments. As his skill matured, the tricolor glazes became more distinguishable. Eventually he added blue and peach to his pallet.

It was from that period that Jiao-jer pottery became rooted in Taiwan and later bloomed into a brilliant folk art that we now regard as a cultural heritage.

Jiao-jer pottery is shaped one piece at a time, painted, glazed and fired to perfection. It is renowned for its detailed craftsmanship. Since ancient times, Jiao-jer has been used for temple statuary and talisman plaques. The attention to detail and antiquarian aura continue to lend appropriate solemnity to temples and shrines. It has also become a favorite of collectors.

What distinguishes the figures from Pingtung Matsu Temple is that they have managed to maintain their brilliance over time. Even though they are slightly faded, they were most likely made of a porcelain and pottery mix and fired at a higher temperature.