Tongluo Kiln Introduction
Established in 1967, Tongluo Kiln is a traditional pottery factory that has been passed down through three generations from Zhang Xinxiang to Zhang Shihao and now to Zhang Weihan. With over 50 years of history, it is one of the few remaining traditional kilns in Taiwan that produces large jars and urns using hand-formed methods. Tongluo Kiln is located on the road from Zhuxun Village in Tongluo Township to Tongxia, with its old roof tiles witnessing the rise and fall of the Miaoli pottery industry. The late founder, Mr. Zhang Xinxiang, began his apprenticeship at the age of seventeen under Master Li Yiwu from Fuzhou, learning the techniques of hand-forming pottery. In 1967, he established "Tongluo Pottery Factory," producing various items such as flower pots, pickling jars, and soy sauce vats. Currently, the kiln is managed by the second generation, Zhang Shihao and his wife Peng Xiumei, continuing into the third generation with Zhang Weihan and his wife Lin Yingrui gradually stepping into the path of inheritance. Tongluo Kiln specializes in traditional Fuzhou pottery techniques, and its skill in hand-forming is considered top-notch, particularly excelling in the production of oversized jars and urns. The meticulous techniques and processes make Tongluo Kiln's large wine jars renowned far and wide. Additionally, the hand-forming techniques have produced countless pottery urns and soy sauce jars in Miaoli's Hakka township. Currently, the third generation, led by Zhang Weihan, aims to pass on these traditional skills, hoping to infuse the traditional pottery industry with the younger generation and continue the legacy of Hakka pottery culture. Tongluo Kiln's product range is diverse, including small wine jars weighing 20 kg to large storage wine jars of 800 kg, various sizes of tanks for pickling cabbage and soy sauce, tea storages, wood-fired tea bowls, tea cups, tea sets, large landscape pottery, and artistic creations. At the same time, they are actively innovating, researching changes in glazes while ensuring practicality for daily use. The management seeks diversification, with plans to add exhibition areas, sales zones, and a storytelling museum in the future to create value for the old kiln.
