Tongluo Kiln Introduction
Established in 1967, Tongluo Kiln is a traditional kiln passed down through three generations: Zhang Xinhsiang, Zhang Shihou, and Zhang Weihuan. With a history of over 50 years, it is one of the few remaining traditional kilns in Taiwan that produces large jars and containers using hand-formed techniques. Located on the road from Zhu Sen Village in Tongluo Township to Tongxiao, the old roof tiles witness the rise and fall of Miao Li's ceramics industry. The late founder, Mr. Zhang Xinhsiang, started his apprenticeship at the age of seventeen under Master Li Yiwu from Fuzhou, learning the skill of hand-forming pottery. In 1967, he established the "Tongluo Ceramics Factory," producing flower pots, pickling jars, soy sauce containers, and more. Currently, the kiln is operated by the second generation, Zhang Shihou and his wife Peng Xiumei, and has been passed on to the third generation, where Zhang Weihuan and his wife Lin Yingrui have begun to slowly step onto the path of inheritance. Tongluo Kiln specializes in traditional Fuzhou-style pottery techniques, excelling in the craft of hand-formed pottery, especially the production of super-sized jars. The techniques and processes are quite meticulous, making Tongluo Kiln's large wine jars famous far and wide. Additionally, the hand-forming technique has produced countless pottery jars and soy sauce jars for the Hakka community in Tongluo, Miao Li. Currently, the third-generation owner, Zhang Weihuan, is dedicated to inheriting these traditional skills, aspiring to infuse the traditional pottery industry with a younger generation to continue the cultural legacy of Hakka pottery. The works of Tongluo Kiln 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 warehouses, wood-fired tea bowls, cups, tea sets, large landscape ceramics, and artistic creations. At the same time, it actively innovates, researching glaze changes while ensuring practicality in daily life, pursuing diversification in operations. In the future, it aims to establish exhibition and sales areas, as well as a storytelling museum, to create value for the old kiln.
