Tongluo Kiln Introduction
Founded in 1967, Copper Bell Kiln has been passed down through three generations: Zhang Xinxiang -- Zhang Shih-hao -- Zhang Wei-han. With over 50 years of history, it is one of the few traditional kilns in Taiwan that still produces large jars and containers using hand-formed techniques. Copper Bell Kiln is located on the road from Zhuzhen Village in Tongluo Township to Tongxiao, with its old roof tiles witnessing the rise and fall of the Miaoli pottery industry. The late founder, Mr. Zhang Xinxiang, began learning hand-formed techniques at the age of seventeen under Master Li Yi-wu from Fuzhou. In 1967, he established the "Copper Bell Pottery Factory" to produce flowerpots, pickling jars, soy sauce containers, and more. The kiln is currently operated by the second generation, Zhang Shih-hao and his wife Peng Hsiu-mei, and has been passed on to the third generation, where Zhang Wei-han and his wife Lin Ying-rui have also begun to take steps to carry on the legacy. Copper Bell Kiln specializes in traditional Fuzhou-style pottery techniques, with exceptional hand-formed skill, particularly in making extra-large jars, a process that is quite meticulous, making their large wine jars famous far and wide. Additionally, the hand-forming technique has produced countless pottery jars and soy sauce vats for the Hakka community in Miaoli's Tongluo Township. The third-generation owner, Zhang Wei-han, has been learning and inheriting this traditional craft, aiming to inject new life into the traditional pottery industry and sustain the cultural heritage of the Hakka zhuang pottery. Copper Bell Kiln's works are diverse, ranging from small 20-pound wine jars to large 800-pound storage wine jars, various sizes of water tanks for pickling sauerkraut and soy sauce, tea storage jars, wood-fired tea bowls, tea cups, and tea sets, as well as large landscape pottery and ceramic art creations. At the same time, it actively innovates, researching glaze variations, with a focus on practical use, striving for diversification in its operations. In the future, the kiln plans to establish exhibition and sales areas as well as a story museum to create value for the old kiln.
