Miaoli's "Shi Cang" Exhibition Showcases Time Transformation of Hakka "Three Treasures"

An exhibition in Miaoli, Taiwan, is bringing traditional Hakka artifacts into contemporary life. Titled "Shi Cang" (Time's Collection), the exhibition focuses on the "three treasures" of Hakka culture: fire basins, preserved turnip jars, and tea canisters, highlighting their evolution and enduring relevance.

Organized by the Taiwan Pottery Culture Association as part of the "Song of the Land – Hakka Three Treasures Revitalization Project," the exhibition aims to reintroduce these essential items from Hakka daily life. The project blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design and local produce, offering a fresh perspective on heritage.

The "three treasures" are intrinsically linked to concepts of time and storage. Fire basins, once used for heating and boiling water in winter, are now reimagined for cozy gatherings, roasting snacks, or even as decorative fish tanks in summer. The large, utilitarian preserved turnip jars of the past have been transformed into smaller, aesthetically pleasing containers for collecting aged radishes, while tea canisters are being integrated into modern tea ceremonies, allowing teas to mature into aged varieties.

The exhibition, running from August 15 to 23 at the Miaobei Arts and Cultural Center, features collaborations with local ceramic studios like Zhunan Snake Kiln, Bawu Kiln, and Jinlong Kiln. Visitors can experience the deep flavors developed over time through demonstrations, such as slow-cooking old preserved turnip chicken soup and brewing aged tea using a fire basin. The event invites the public to explore the rich charm of Hakka craftsmanship re-emerging in modern living.