Thirty years ago, the art of porcelain making could hardly be said to exist on Taiwan. A few ill-equipped workshops turned out low quality dishes and bowls. That situation began to change as the population grew and other aspects of the Taiwan economy expanded. Better kilns were built; expert consultants were brought in; programs to promote long term development were established. Thirty years ago there were some twenty-nine small factories. Nowadays hundreds of plants, many of them automated and computer-controlled, turn out fine chinaware, many decorative items, and a wide variety of industrial tile.
The pioneer in modernizing the industry has been the Ta T'ung Porcelain Company which in 1960 built the first fully automated factory. Today more than 11 million pieces of porcelain are produced a month--everything from decorated wine vessels, tea cups and plates, coffee mugs, covered noodle bowls to a great variety of ceramic tiles for exterior and interior surface coverings. In Taiwan's humid climate, many people prefer ceramic tile to wallpaper for home decoration. It's easy to clean, varied in color, semipermanent, and totally waterproof.
Taiwan should, as it does, produce porcelain known around the world for its beauty and craftsmanship. After all, porcelain was invented in China. But in the modern age, when too often confusion reigned in China, the lead in porcelain making went from China to Japan, Europe and the United States.
Now that Taiwan is back in international competition in the making of all kinds of porcelains, it and other porcelain manufacturers face a new rival--a wide range of colorful and practical items made of synthetic materials. Asked about this, the vice-director of the Ta T'ung Company smiled and said "Good porcelain has no substitute. Porcelains do not contain harmful materials like lead, do not fade, are unharmed by heat, oil or grease, are easy to clean and do not lose their colors even after repeated washings."
And one must not forget one area in which porcelain rules supreme--the humble bathroom. Most modern bathroom fixtures are made of porcelain. In Taiwan alone fourteen factories produce bathroom fixtures at the rate of five thousand a day. Export markets include Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Jordan, Singapore, West Africa, Indonesia, Kuwait and Australia.
The making of lifeless soil and other materials into exquisite forms has been going on for thousands of years. Nowadays the old art is pursued not only by skilled craftsmen but by skilled craftsmen with the modern backing of computer and automation technology. The potters of ancient China would be astounded to see their old art in its new dress.
[Picture Caption]
1. One of Ta T'ung Porcelain Company's dinner sets. 2. Porcelain ware is inexpensive enough so that it can be used in every home. 3. Three different kinds of tea cups and saucers. 4. Chinese serving bowls.
1.2. Porcelain tiles for use in the living room or kitchen. 3.4.5. Tea and coffee mugs. 6.7. Three colored porcelain.
1.2.3. Floor tiling for every corner of the house. 4. Everyday porcelain ware. 5. Porcelain bathroom fixtures.
2. Porcelain ware is inexpensive enough so that it can be used in every home.
Three different kinds of tea cups and saucers.
Porcelain tiles for use in the living room or kitchen.
Porcelain tiles for use in the living room or kitchen.
Floor tiling for every corner of the house.
Floor tiling for every corner of the house.
Floor tiling for every corner of the house.
Porcelain bathroom fixtures.
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
