Hong Kong Dragon Kiln Revitalization

  • The Castle Peak Pottery Kiln. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Dragon Kiln Concern Group.
  • Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Dragon Kiln Concern Group.
  • Ceramic pipe recycled as wall. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Dragon Kiln Concern Group.

The Hong Kong Dragon Kiln was constructed in the 1940s and was in operation until the 1980s. It fired daily use vessels such as wine jars, drainage pipes, traditional soup pots, valuable ceramic sculptures and art pieces. Through interviews of individuals involved in its production as well as archival research, the Project offers an unique insight to ethnographic stories during the rapid development in Hong Kong. As once an active pottery producer in the community, the firing at the kiln not only holds communal value but also artistic and cultural ones: the features from the traditional production environment are highly appreciated in the artistic communities. As an invaluable foundation of the craft of pottery in Hong Kong, the Project, and the publication of its findings, serves also to promote and preserve the unique human heritage that is closely tied to our unique history.

The Hong Kong Dragon Kiln was constructed in the 1940s and was in operation until the 1980s. It fired daily use vessels such as wine jars, drainage pipes, traditional soup pots, valuable ceramic sculptures and art pieces. Through interviews of individuals involved in its production as well as archival research, the Project offers an unique insight to ethnographic stories during the rapid development in Hong Kong. As once an active pottery producer in the community, the firing at the kiln not only holds communal value but also artistic and cultural ones: the features from the traditional production environment are highly appreciated in the artistic communities. As an invaluable foundation of the craft of pottery in Hong Kong, the Project, and the publication of its findings, serves also to promote and preserve the unique human heritage that is closely tied to our unique history.

Read More

2020
Grantee: Liz Lau

Liz Lau is the Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Dragon Kiln Concern Group. Together with a group of volunteers, she spearheads activities to preserve the historical kiln and the history of ceramic art and production in Hong Kong. She currently owns her own pottery studio, and is a mentor for The Women’s Foundation Mentoring Programme in Hong Kong.

Before becoming an entrepreneur and working on projects that are close to her heart, Liz spent over 15 years in the corporate environment. In her last corporate role as the Chief Operations Officer of Philips Design in the Netherlands, she ran a global design studio of over 500 designers across the globe.

As a ceramic maker and studio owner with a degree in Art History from McGill University in Canada, Liz dedicates her time in promoting arts in the community, supporting young artists, and preserving art history in Hong Kong.

Organisation: Hong Kong Dragon Kiln Concern Group

The Hong Kong Dragon Kiln Concern Group is a civil society made up of ceramic makers,artists and enthusiasts. They come from the education, conservation, academic, and arts & cultural sectors. Its mission:

  1. Conserve and revitalize Hong Kong’s last remaining Dragon Kiln
  2. Document and preserve all related information
  3. Promote public awareness, engagement and education
  4. Establish a “Living Museum” at the site

Since 2017, the Group has spearheaded numerous projects that engage with stakeholders across society. Their “Living Museum” Revitalization Proposal is an example of social innovation, pairing historic conservation with community engagement, and linking the kiln’s past to local residents’ future. A compendium of the Group’s research and activities will be published in end of year 2020.