Blacksmith Ceng Wen-chang is preserving the craft of making wrought iron window grilles.
Once commonplace on the exterior of homes across the country, wrought iron window grilles are increasingly rare in Taiwan. With artistic flourishes and embellishments, the handcrafted grating serves as more than just protection against burglars and intruders; it provides a charming sight for the eyes of passersby.
Yet given the high humidity of the local climate and the metal’s propensity to corrode, wrought iron grating—a staple of homegrown architecture since the 1920s—began to be superseded by mass-produced aluminum and stainless steel grilles in the 80s. As older generations of blacksmiths retired and fewer trainees joined the craft, the number of artisans with the requisite skills has dwindled.
Enter Ceng Wen-chang (曾文昌), a seasoned blacksmith with 33 years of experience. Apprenticed at age 17, Ceng came to the trade too late to learn the technique of making wrought iron grilles. Nevertheless, he was determined to keep the art alive, seeking out the help of older blacksmiths and conducting his own research until he had mastered the craft.
Ceng admits business is not always booming. His primary clients are people restoring old family houses and those wanting to add a classic touch to newer structures. But he is content to go on preserving the tradition for as long as he can.
—by Jim Hwang
Handcrafting grilles is labor-intensive and time-consuming work that requires extensive technical know-how in bending, twisting, riveting and welding iron.
Ceng, a blacksmith with over 30 years of experience, is one of the remaining few still crafting wrought iron grilles for gates and windows.
A window grille with a design featuring dancers
The Chinese character for “cloth” is worked into the grille of a building that once housed a fabric shop.
Decorative wrought iron window grilles are no longer popular in Taiwan after being superseded by mass-produced aluminum and stainless steel grating.
Ceng also creates souvenirs inspired by window grilles.