[S25] Zwa (Paper) Squared Bowl

The Zwa (Paper) Squared Bowl is inspired by the simple paper boxes folded from calendar or advertisement sheets in Taiwan — practical vessels used at the family table to hold seeds or food scraps.

‘Zwa-aba’ means paper box in Taiwanese, and for me, it recalls the tender memory of my grandmother gifting my mother stacks of these folded boxes, a quiet gesture of care woven into daily life. Translated into ceramic, the bowl carries this symbolism of maternal love and attentiveness, preserving the beauty of ordinary rituals in a lasting form.

The transparent glaze reveals the natural color of the clay, symbolizing purity, honesty, and an appreciation for materials in their most authentic form. The interior walls feature the seigaiha 青海波 wave motif, a subtle homage to Taiwan as an island surrounded by water.

Bisque fired at the Gardiner Museum. 2025

Ceramic MCS clay finished with transparent glaze.