Enthusiasts dedicate time and money to restoring and producing classic decorative tiles.
A short walk from Chiayi Railway Station in southern Taiwan is the Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles. Founded in 2015 by James Hsu (徐嘉彬), the two-story site, a renovated timber shop built during Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945), displays about 1,500 restored ceramic tiles recovered from local heritage properties.
According to historian Kang Nuo-xi (康锘錫), Taiwan has no history of decorative tile production. All of the items on show at the museum were made between 1915 and 1935 in Japan, with the exception of a few older samples brought in from the U.K. Only Taiwan’s highest-ranking officials, richest families and largest temples could afford the pricey imports, which were primarily used as exterior decorations or furniture inlays. The tiles became unavailable from the mid-1930s as Japan poured its manufacturing resources into the war effort.
Over the past two decades, Hsu and a group of about 20 enthusiasts have been collecting and restoring the tiles. Returning them to their former glory is a time-consuming process. First, attached bricks and cement must be grinded off. Then the tiles have to be soaked for up to three months to remove any dirt or mildew. After completing this work, the altruistic hobbyists return the tiles to their owners or offer to buy them so they can be displayed at the museum.
In 2017, Hsu raised NT$5 million (US$161,300) through a crowdfunding platform to produce new decorative tiles. Working with local artists, the museum has created about a dozen designs, as well as coasters, lapel pins and magnets. Last year, its ceramic tile coaster collection was selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as one of the gifts it offers to visiting dignitaries.
In addition to documenting a niche aspect of local architectural history, Hsu and his collaborators are adding a new chapter by crafting Taiwan’s first homegrown versions.
—by Jim Hwang
Classic decorative tiles are a prominent design feature at Xianse Temple in New Taipei City’s Sanchong District. The national historic site was built in 1755, with the imported Japanese tiles added during a 1925 renovation.
The monthslong process of restoring classic tiles begins with grinding off cement and bricks. They must then be cleaned repeatedly to remove dirt and mildew.
Decorative tiles are installed at the entrance and on the roof ridge of the Lin Family Residence, built in 1926, in Datan Village of Chiayi County’s Xingang Township. The items were used on the exterior of buildings as a symbol of wealth and status.
Tiles imported from the U.K. decorate a fireplace at Taipei Guest House. Built in 1901 as the governor-general’s residence, the historic site is now a venue for state banquets.
The museum makes unique tiles as well as related souvenirs such as wall hangings and magnets.
Its ceramic tile coaster collection is a special gift presented to visiting dignitaries by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.