Xiao Daoxian wins Caixa Rural l’Alcora Prize at CICA 2026

Chinese ceramicist Xiao Daoxian has been awarded the Caixa Rural l’Alcora Prize at the 2026 International Ceramics Contest of l’Alcora (CICA). His winning piece, titled ‘Inner Aureole’, was selected by public vote from 42 works featured in the exhibition.

The 43rd edition of the contest saw record participation, with 321 ceramicists from 41 countries submitting works. Following a technical selection process, the public chose Daoxian’s work, which earned a prize of 3,000 euros.

Jurors praised the piece for its technical excellence in third-fire drawing on porcelain and its ability to transform biological observations into a dreamlike universe. Daoxian, a graduate of the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, is known for a process he describes as ‘figurative reference and logical reconstruction’, where he fragments and reorganizes natural forms to create unique artistic ecosystems.