Toilet-style replica replaces Yingge’s demolished ancient “Mantou Kiln”

In January 2013, without any warning the chimney structure of Yingge’s Xu Family Tile Kiln (許家瓦窯) was torn down by a construction company. In addition to destroying the chimney, the rear part of the kiln’s structure also suffered considerable damage. At the start of this year, under the coordination of the Department of Cultural Affairs, a construction company began building a replica of the original Mantou Kiln at the rear of Yingge Ceramics Park.

However, as building work on the replica kiln neared completion and locals discovered that it lacked a chimney, it was clear the original flavor of the Mantou Kiln had been lost. Local people believe that this chimney was a symbol of the spirit of early wood-burning kilns in Yingge and an important local landmark; therefore, with the body of the replica kiln missing a chimney, it completely failed to capture the beauty of the original.

Local residents concerned about the reconstruction of the original kiln launched “Return Yingge’s Ancient Kiln” on Facebook. Through this activity they hope to raise awareness about the issue and force New Taipei City authorities to take prompt measures in remedying the situation. 

Toilet-style replica replaces Yingge’s demolished ancient “Mantou Kiln”
URL:https://www.peopo.org/news/262539 
URL:https://www.peopo.org/news/262261 

(以下是中文對照)
▇鶯歌古蹟包子窯拆除重建像廁所▇還我古窯

照片

2013年1月間，鶯歌「許家瓦窯」的煙囪結構，在毫無預警的狀況下遭到建商拆除，以致完全破壞不存，而窯爐後部結構也遭受相當程度的損毀。今年初，在文化局協調下，建商在鶯歌陶瓷公園復建原本位在當地的包子窯，復建的包子窯已近完工，地方人士發現，少掉煙囪的包子窯原味盡失，地方人士也認為，「煙囪」是早期柴燒窯的精神象徵，也是鶯歌當地的重要地標，復建窯體卻缺了煙囪，辜負原有異地復建的美意。關心本古窯復建的相關人士，在臉書上發動「還我鶯歌古窯」的活動，希望讓更多人能注意關於古窯重建的議題，也希望新北市文化主管機關能盡速提出有效作法與補救措施。