Qifen Kiln

Qifen Kiln, located in Kunshan Village, Xinshe District, is a center for promoting ink wash painting and ceramic engraving art, and also the headquarters of the Taiwan Ceramic Engraving Association. Here, visitors can satisfy their desire to try pottery making, wheel throwing, or ceramic engraving all in one place. The kiln's name, "Qifen" (Seven-Tenths), prompts the question: where did the other three-tenths go? Owners Mr. Zhang Lifu and Mrs. Li Chunmei explain: "Before the earthquake, we were 'intoxicated' (醉了), but after the disaster, it 'shattered' (碎了)." Despite the earthquake destroying their works, it could not shatter their dedication to artistic creation and promotion. They emerged from the shadow of the disaster, starting from scratch to create new pottery pieces, each symbolizing hope. The 921 earthquake almost completely annihilated years of collections and creations at Qifen Kiln. Though heartbroken, the couple and members of the Taiwan Ceramic Engraving Association didn't despair. Just ten days after the disaster, they began clearing the damaged site while simultaneously creating ceramic engravings, becoming a prime example of artistic reconstruction in a disaster-stricken area. Hidden within the natural mountain forests, Qifen Kiln offers not only opportunities to work with clay and appreciate art, but also allows visitors to experience a vibrant life force – an unexpected bonus for travelers.