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Ceramics Maker | Lin Tien-fu

  • Date:2017-05-27
Ceramics Maker | Lin Tien-fu

  • Chinese Name: 林添福
  • Born: 1962
  • Birthplace: Taichung City (Central Taiwan)
  • Did You Know That …?
  • Lin became a ceramic maker at the age of fourteen. Specializing in hand-shaping and moulding, Lin also acquired the skills of relief-sculpting and painting without being taught.


Lin Tien-fu is a craftsman who has made ceramics his lifelong career. Known as Master Tien-fu, Lin is the founder of Jhu-nan Snake Kiln (竹南蛇窯), which has become an important base for Taiwan's contemporary ceramics today. In 2016, Lin received the National Crafts Achievement Award for his significant role in preserving and passing down traditional cultural assets.


As Lin's grandfather ran a kiln in Taichung, Lin was exposed to the world of ceramics at an early age, and started to learn pottery making when he was thirteen. Being mentored by artisans from Fuzhou Province, Lin quickly learned a comprehensive set of ceramic techniques.


Lin established Jhu-nan Snake Kiln in 1972. The 23-meter-long kiln is the only traditional firewood kiln in Miaoli County today. Instead of applying glazes manually, Lin uses wood firing to make clay, which gives the ceramics natural and unique ash glazes when the kiln temperature reaches 1,200 degrees Celsius.


While mastering the whole ceramic process - collecting clay, molding, covering the kiln, firing the kiln, sculpting, and painting - Lin's style has also evolved over time, developing new techniques and producing diverse ceramics that stand the test of time.


Though Lin combines contemporary aesthetics with such traditional art, his products are still the essence of Taiwan's traditional pottery. Most of his works are items used for daily life, such as tea sets and plates. He also creates large, decorative ceramic pots.


In addition, Lin's youthful mind allows him to create whimsical works even in his 70s. "Little Man Pee,” for example is one of the few figurative ceramics created by Lin. It expresses a sense of purity and Lin's passion for life.


In 2016, Lin was the oldest participant showing ceramic tea bowls at the International ChaWan Expo in Taiwan. His everyday vessels each tell a different story and are full of artistic value, according to the expo founder, Lou Smedts.


In recent years, Lin has devoted his time to passing on his knowledge and skills to his son Lin Jui-hwa (林瑞華), and plans to create courses and materials to teach traditional techniques, promote pottery education, and introduce ceramics into people's everyday lives.


Having experienced the rise and fall of pottery industry, the Lins have created their own path, and continue to challenge themselves in taking Taiwan's wood-fired clays to the new level.