Asia’s Largest Handicrafts Expo Debuts: Must-Have Adorable Handmade Goods by Artisans

By / Scenic Spots Home Compilation & Report 
 
The 2019 Pop Up Asia Asian Handicrafts Expo kicked off on November 14 at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei and ran until November 17, spanning four days.

Over the past four years, the Asian Handicrafts Expo has connected nearly 500 handicraft brands and platforms, doubling the exhibition area to encompass four major themed pavilions, with an anticipated total attendance of over 100,000 visitors. As the first exhibition in Asia focused on fostering exchanges among handmade entrepreneurs and organizations, the event explores trends in handmade entrepreneurship and sustainable business models from the perspective of creators.

This year’s four major thematic zones integrate more than 200 material suppliers, manufacturers, and individual brands from across Asia, centered around micro production, Asian themes, lifestyle design, and original style. Through the annual theme of “micro production,” the expo facilitates cross-border collaborations between manufacturers and handmade entrepreneurs.

The venue features a diverse range of innovative materials, including Swarovski crystals, leather fabrics, satin ribbons and lace, wax cords, wood, as well as professional display props. There are also 3D printers, laser engravers, specialty hand tools, along with over 50 professional handicraft workshops from institutions such as Taiwan’s National Academy of Arts, Japan’s Maker Base, DIY School, and the Fiber Arts Festival, offering various customized experiences.

A curated selection of product platforms and theme pavilions from 10 Asian regions, including TRUNK DESIGN — winner of Japan’s Good Design Award, Cambodian social enterprise SALASUSU, Malaysia’s Ninth Gallery, and South Korea’s LACC, as well as Taiwan’s Cocoon Wraps, Dot Dot Good, and Yilan Jinghao Lifestyle. Visitors can immerse themselves in 100% authentic local cultural characteristics from various parts of Asia through this expo.

This pavilion is divided into sections for character stationery, lifestyle design, and furniture & home decor, featuring first-time exhibitor Chen Carving Studio from Taichung, Hong Kong’s Shabibi Sheep Workshop, Malaysia’s Slumber Bugu, Indonesia’s Indonesia Now, as well as Thai illustrator Natthaphong Daowichit, who was selected from over 400 participants in the preliminary round. The event also invites artist ARU MENG and popular writer Peter Su x Sixteen Words as guest brands for a one-day pop-up exclusive, giving attendees the opportunity to engage in face-to-face creative exchanges.

Within this exhibition area, visitors can deeply experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, including ARLEQUIN, LIFE COORDI NET, and SUSTO Umbrella from Osaka, bringing a rich Kansai-style vibe. There are also contributions from Gunma Prefecture’s OTAKNIT, Okayama Prefecture’s Bizen-yaki pottery, Shiga Prefecture’s Ohmi Silk Traditional Industry Hall, and Hiroshima Prefecture’s Resin no Onna, showcasing Japan’s blend of tradition and innovation. The largest participating country this year is Thailand, with over 30 Thai brands taking part, led by Torboon — recently named one of What’s Next’s Top 10 Potential Style Designers. The Thai section is divided into four themes: Thai Fashion, Thai Literary Youth, Thai Trend, and Thai Lifestyle, featuring a variety of handmade works such as accessories, bags, clothing, stationery, daily necessities, and fragrances, highlighting the unique charm of Thai originality.