Hakka artist Liao Tseng-chuan (廖增春) set up Chun Tian Kiln (春田窯) in
1995 at Miaoli’s Sanyi Township. On the subject of
ceramic art, Liao has an endless supply of anecdotes. He was originally a
ceramics teacher at Lien Ho Industrial and Technological Junior College
(current day National United University), and personally lived through the
period from the 1960s to 1970s when decorative ceramic factories in Miaoli
prospered, to the 1980s when it became a sunset industry and shifted
industrially. Liao felt that a loss of a passing down of tradition vis-à-vis
ceramic art was imminent, and thus he began to work on integrating ceramics
with creation. In 1995, he set up Chun Tian Kiln in his sanheyuan home, and led
a simple life of ceramic making and agriculture.
“In the beginning, I only had one gas kiln. As I got to
experience the uniqueness of firewood kilns, I gradually modified the kiln.”
Liao build four kilns in a decade, as he sought to try out different types of
kilns. Eventually, he decided on using wood from the acacia confusa as firewood
for his kiln, because he felt this made the best ceramic.
Using firewood for kilns can be said
to be the most ancient production method. By using ceramic clay and firewood
ash to shape each product, a unique texture and hue is produced. Unglazed
teapots, cups, and utensils produced by this method have a dark brown, fuchsia,
or metallic hue with a one-of-a-kind natural sheen to it, giving off a rustic
and solid feel to it along with a vintage, natural elegance.
Liao expressed that “Miaoli’s clay is
rich in iron, is of good quality, and can withstand high heat. In the future, I
hope ceramic art can be livelier, and be a part of other industries on top of
the tea and flower arrangement industry, and have more room for development. I
hope that Miaoli’s rich history in ceramics gets passed down.”
So as to let more people experience
the beauty of ceramic art, there is a pottery workshop inside the compounds of
the kiln, along with a ceramic art exhibition hall, so visitors can experience
for themselves the joy of handmade pottery. Chun Tian Kiln is also a place for
leisure, and is run entirely by Liao’s family. Liao’s son helps with the farm
work, planting several organic foods, and Liao’s daughter-in-law manages the
area. Liao’s daughter and son-in-law takes charge of teaching handmade pottery,
while Liao’s sister runs the restaurant supplying an array of delicious Hakka
fare. Chun Tian Kiln is a depiction of Taiwanese satoyama spirit, as it
maintains a friendly balance between food, agriculture, art, and environment.
(Translator: James Loo
In collaboration with Fu Jen Catholic University, Department of English)