The dragon kilns of 20th-century Singapore

Abstract

In 20th-century Singapore, Singaporean Chinese used a traditional wood fired kiln known as the dragon kiln to supply pottery locally and internationally. Now in the 2020s there remains two dragon kilns, with only one in operation. The lease of the two remaining kilns will be expiring soon in 2023, leaving the fate of the kilns unknown. Thus, this thesis intends to explore the heritage of the dragon kiln and how it has transformed from past to present. This thesis studies the three known dragon kilns in Singapore, Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle, Guan Huat Porcelain Factory, and Sam Mui Kuang Pottery. By studying the dragon kilns, it gives insight on the lives of 20th-century migrant Singaporeans and family businesses. It also shows the transfer of technology between regions. The dragon kiln is one of the last forms of continuity in a vanishing trade and thus, deserves further documentation. This thesis provides an example of how we can study topics on traditional industries and their transformation over time. This can be a template to study other local industries in Singapore or other dragon kilns in Southeast Asia.