Tongluo Kiln Introduction
Established in 1967, the Tongluo Kiln is a traditional pottery workshop that has been passed down through three generations: Zhang Xinyang, Zhang Shihao, and Zhang Weihang. With a history of over 50 years, it is one of the few remaining traditional potteries in Taiwan specializing in the production of large jars and urns using handcrafted techniques. Located on the road from Zhuxun Village in Tongluo Township to Tongxiao, the old rooftops of the kiln bear witness to the rise and fall of the Miaoli pottery industry. The late founder, Mr. Zhang Xinyang, apprenticed at the age of seventeen under Master Li Yiwu from Fuzhou to learn the skills of hand-pressing clay. In 1967, he established the "Tongluo Pottery Factory," focusing on producing flowerpots, pickling jars, soy sauce barrels, and more. Currently, the kiln is managed by the second-generation owners, Zhang Shihao and Peng Xiumei, and is transitioning to the third generation, where Zhang Weihang and Lin Yingrui have started to carry on the traditions in recent years. The Tongluo Kiln specializes in traditional Fuzhou-style pottery-making techniques, particularly excelling in the production of oversized jars, renowned for its meticulous techniques and steps, making their large wine jars famous far and wide. Moreover, the craft of hand-pressed clay has allowed the Miaoli Tongluo Hakka community to create countless pottery jars and sauce barrels. Currently, the third-generation owner, Zhang Weihang, is inheriting and mastering these traditional skills, hoping to bring new energy to the traditional pottery industry and continue the legacy of Hakka pottery culture. The works from the Tongluo Kiln are diverse, ranging from small 20-jin wine jars to large 800-jin storage jars for liquor, various sizes of water tanks for pickling and soy sauce, tea storages, wood-fired tea bowls, cups, tea sets, large landscape pottery, and artistic creations. They also actively innovate, researching glaze variations and maintaining practicality in everyday use, striving for diversification in operations. Future plans include adding a display and sales area and a storytelling museum to enhance the value of this old kiln.
