Tongluo Kiln Introduction
Founded in 1967, the traditional kiln has been passed down through three generations: Zhang Xinxiang, Zhang Shihao, and Zhang Weihan. With over 50 years of history, it is one of the few remaining traditional kilns in Taiwan that produce large urns and jars using hand-formed techniques. The Dongluo Kiln is located on the road from Zhuceng Village in Dongluo Township to Tongxiao. The old roof tiles bear witness to the rise and fall of Miaoli's ceramic industry. The late founder, Mr. Zhang Xinxiang, apprenticed under Master Li Yiwu from Fuzhou at the age of seventeen, learning hand-formed molding techniques. In 1967, he established the "Dongluo Ceramics Factory," producing flower pots, pickling jars, soy sauce vats, and more. The second generation of kiln owners, Zhang Shihao and Peng Xiumei, have passed the business to the third generation, where Zhang Weihan and Lin Yingrui have also begun to take steps towards continuing this tradition. Dongluo Kiln specializes in traditional Fuzhou-style pottery techniques, with exceptional skills in hand-formed methods, particularly in creating oversized urns. Its craftsmanship and processes are meticulous, making its large wine urns renowned far and wide. Furthermore, the hand-formed pottery technique has produced countless jars and sauce vats in the Hakka town of Dongluo, Miaoli. The third generation kiln owner, Zhang Weihan, is dedicated to passing on this traditional skill, with the hope of infusing the traditional pottery industry with a younger generation, thereby sustaining the cultural heritage of Hakka pottery. Dongluo Kiln offers a wide range of products, from small 20-jin wine urns to large 800-jin storage urns, various-sized water tanks for pickling sauerkraut and soy sauce, tea storage casks, wood-fired tea bowls, cups, and tea sets, as well as large landscape ceramics and artistic creations. At the same time, the kiln actively innovates by researching glaze variations, balancing practical usage, with plans for diversification, including the establishment of exhibition and sales areas and a storytelling museum, to create value for the old kiln.
