A line from a Moby song, “As I wake its kaleidoscopic mind,” hummed inside my head as we entered arguably the most unique fine dining restaurant in the Dashu District of Kaohsiung. Porcelain-filled ceilings, chandeliers, tables, walls, bowls, cups, and statues adorn the interiors. Doubling as a museum displaying porcelain figurines priced from ten thousand NT to as high as four million five hundred thousand NT, 1300 Only Porcelain also lavishes guests with mouth-watering fusion cuisines.
Where to Eat in Kaohsiung: 1300 Only Porcelain | Taiwan
The establishment was first opened in 2010 by owner Henry Shen, who picked up the expensive passion for porcelain-making after studying the art of ceramics from esteemed experts all over the world. He now devotes his time as an art director and master sculptor of porcelain figures.
A Revolutionary 3D Porcelain Craft
Using an advanced three-dimensional technique that allows them to view every piece from all angles, Shen's team created a revolutionary method for casting raw porcelain into complex, delicate figures and designs.
We entered the property through its spacious garden, where lush landscape design blends beautifully with outer walls covered in artistic porcelain and ceramic pieces, producing a mesmerizing mosaic effect.
Golden Trees & Plated Works of Art
Likewise, the interior explodes with rich porcelain textures hanging gracefully from the ceiling. We were ushered into the dining area, where a stunning golden tree complete with porcelain leaves elicited a chorus of awe from our small group.
Every table is set with porcelain dinnerware and miniature figurines. As we sat down and engaged in light conversation, our eyes wandered across the sculpted masterpieces surrounding the room.
When our orders arrived, it came as no surprise to find our food served atop custom porcelain wares, including a fresh garden salad served on a dish shaped like a peacock.
The gallery showcases items owned by club members of 1300 Only Porcelain, available for purchase by art connoisseurs with money to spare—as each masterwork is valuable.
Eastern & Western Folklore in Clay
Various themed collections combine Oriental and Western motifs. For example, a section displaying the Classic Oriental Collection includes pieces titled the Ruyi Tiger, Raising Horse, Dragon Emperor, and Beasts of Wealth—each depicting tigers, horses, dragons, and mythical creatures in painstaking detail.
Other figures draw from Romanticism, portraying royal ladies, embracing couples, and nature-inspired figures such as songbirds, lions, and monkeys.
Visiting 1300 Only Porcelain not only provided us with a memorable meal, but it also offered a rare chance to marvel at the intersection of porcelain casting, modern sculpture, and Chinese folklore.
