Seoul highlights artistry of ASEAN pottery

Singaporean artist Hans Tan's "Spotted Nyonya" is on display at "ASEAN Week 2023" at COEX, southern Seoul, Nov. 8. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre

The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) presents the richness of Southeast Asian culture through pottery at the “ASEAN Week 2023," East Gate of COEX in southern Seoul, Nov. 8 to 11.

Themed "11 Pots 11 Colors – Colorful Heritage of ASEAN Crafts: Capturing the Light," this year's showcase, for the first time, includes the work of a Korean artist alongside ASEAN artisans, symbolizing the deepening cultural ties between the regions.

At the heart of the exhibition lies the exquisite pottery work of ASEAN artisans, who bridge historical artistry and contemporary design. These pieces are not mere artifacts but are emblematic of sustainable craft practices that have been preserved and passed down through generations.

ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary-General Kim Hae-yong, fourth from left, poses with diplomats from ASEAN member states in Korea during the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Week 2023 at COEX, southern Seoul, Nov. 8. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre

Notable among the crafts is the Mallea series from Malaysia’s Royal Selangor, the world-renowned pewter manufacturer. The series draws inspiration from Scandinavian industrial design, characterized by a series of decorative and controlled folds with no two indentations being identical.

The art of Thai Benjarong porcelain is another highlight, with its rich multi-colored enamels on a white base setting it apart. Benjarong emphasizes the background color with a relief glaze, creating a three-dimensional effect in intricate, symmetrical designs, often featuring traditional Thai motifs and cultural symbols.

Singapore's Hans Tan puts a modern twist on traditional Nyonya porcelain in his "Spotted Nyonya" collection. He updates the colorful Chinese-Peranakan pots using a technique that masks and dots them, then sandblasts away some of the glazes to show the white porcelain underneath, making a bold visual impact.

Social enterprise Handep from Indonesia highlights the sustainable and local art of making modern rattan baskets. These baskets tell of stories empowering indigenous women and farmers, focusing on eco-friendly practices and using traditional "Dayak Ikat" weaving methods.

Royal Selangor of Malaysia’s "Mallea" series is on display at "ASEAN Week 2023" at COEX, southern Seoul, Nov. 8. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre

Korean artist Lee In-hwa showcases her ethereal white porcelain, offering a delicate interplay of light and ceramic. Through careful thinning of the material, Lee's creations display the white clay's translucency, crafting porcelain that gracefully transmits light.

This year’s event also features a special collection from 10 ASEAN ambassadors in Korea and a curated selection of sustainable tourism destinations less known to the Korean public.

The center launched the ASEAN Week program in 2019, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the AKC, bringing the diverse cultural and tourism offerings of Southeast Asia closer to the Korean audience.