Organized by the Miaoli branch of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI), “The Story of Taiwan’s Porcelain Doll Industry in the 1970s” exhibition is open now at the Miaoli Craft Park, recreating the golden age of the ceramic art in the region.
Uniquely blessed in terms of its weather and geology, Miaoli has abundant natural gas and high-quality clay. During the 1970s, international companies, especially those from Japan, chose manufacturers from Miaoli to help produce porcelain dolls. As a result, there were more than 300 decorative ceramic factories in the region at its peak, and at the same time Miaoli became the hidden champion of the industry and an export success in the country. Reflecting on the past glory, this exhibition provides people with an opportunity to rethink the future of the ceramic industry.
Chen Tien-li (陳殿禮), the director of NTCRI, pointed out Taiwan was once known as the “kingdom of decorative ceramic” because of the popularity of ceramics made in Miaoli. However, he noted, the industry declined when factories moved overseas or adapted to other services due to policy and societal changes. The revitalization of the ceramic and craft industries could enhance people’s quality of life, he added.
The exhibition’s opening ceremony was held on Oct. 17, attended by Deputy Magistrate of Miaoli County Deng Gui-ju (鄧桂菊), Director of Taiwan Association of Ceramic Culture Deng Shu-hui (鄧淑慧), Director of the Association of Taiwan Crafts Workshop Wang Long-de (王龍德), and other guests.
“The Story of Taiwan’s Porcelain Doll Industry in the 1970s” exhibition is open at the Miaoli Craft Park from now on until Feb. 29, 2024. For more information, please visit NTCRI’s website.