Chen Tianyang Sword Memorial Exhibition: Lee Teng-hui’s Chengtian Sword on Display

By Liu Jiawen / Compiled and Reported

 

To commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of national crafts master Chen Tianyang, the Taichung Harbor Arts Center is offering free admission to the “Sword Master of Lingnan – Chen Tianyang Sword Memorial Exhibition” from today until March 25. The exhibition includes various sword works for which he was awarded the National Crafts Award, as well as the first edition of the Hundred Longevity Sword created in 1995. Among the most special pieces is the “Chengtian Sword,” which was forged to commemorate Taiwan’s first

This memorial exhibition showcases 42 swords created by Chen Tianyang. Among them, the “Chengtian Sword” features a scabbard made of yew wood, with its mouth, guard ring, and pommel intricately carved with auspicious patterns symbolizing fortune, prosperity, and longevity, along with inscriptions reading “Commemorating the First Democratically Elected President of the Republic of China” and “Chengtian Sword.” The “Jinghong Sword,” jointly forged by Chen Tianyang and his third-generation successor Chen Zhongzhi, was the last sword he ever made, making it especially meaningful. In addition, the “Western Han Sword” was crafted based on an iron sword from the Western Han Dynasty unearthed in 1995 at the Shizhaishan Ancient Tomb Cluster in Jinning, Yunnan. This piece also won the first Traditional Crafts Award, solidifying his distinguished status in the field of swordsmithing.

 

Chen Tianyang, a native of Shalu District in Taichung City, passed away at the age of 72. He was awarded the Ethnic Crafts Award by the Council for Cultural Affairs (now the Ministry of Culture) multiple times and remains the only Taiwanese recipient to have won top three prizes in national crafts competitions for multiple years in the field of sword and blade art. He also authored several books on sword culture, including “Zen and Autumn Waters,” “Three Feet of Autumn Waters,” and “Swordheart and Poetic Soul.” To pass on the art of sword-making, he established the “Qingyun Sword Art Museum,” which displays not only his personal creations but also a collection of cultural relics amassed over the years. Chen Tianyang poured his whole heart into the traditional art of swordsmithing, paying meticulous attention to historical research, materials, and design when crafting swords, resulting in exquisitely made blades. Those interested in the art of swords and blades are encouraged to take this opportunity to visit and appreciate these masterpieces.

 

● Read more: Taichung Traditional Arts Festival – A Diverse Array of Performances Across the City’s Districts
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