Dragon Kilns – last Hong Kong one fired in 1990 – dramatic photo

IDJ has sent this photo and accompanying short article about the demise of Dragon Kilns in Hong Kong.

The technique as shown in the image looks more like hand-to-hand warfare than the manufacturing of bowls and cups. Was the white bucket used to extinguish the fires if things got a little out of control…?

Such kilns were certainly found at Wun Yiu near Tai Po where “Archaeological investigations have discovered the remains illustrating the complete process of porcelain production such as china clay quarrying pits, water-mills, animal-driven grinder, clay soaking tanks and dragon kilns.” (1)

There must have been other places in Hong Kong where they were used.

The Singapore link below shows they were also used in other Asian countries. There are online accounts of such kilns in China. Was a similar technique employed by non-Chinese?

This article was first posted on 23rd January 2015.

See:

1. http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Monument/en/monuments_20.php
2. Preserved Dragon Kilns in Singapore Sept 2013

Related Indhhk articles:

1. Wun Yiu Kiln Site, Tai Po – new information
2. Castle Peak Pottery Kiln [青山陶窰] or Dragon Kiln [龍窰]) c1940-1982, Tuen Mun – threat from a proposed housing development
3. The locations of Lime Kilns in Hong Kong – a list
4. Wun Yiu Kiln Site, Tai Po – new information
5. Fu Tei Wan Lime Kiln, Tung Chung