The Special Exhibition on Inherited Arts of Yilan Revives Stories of Traditional Craft Families in Taiwan

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

To portray the deep-rooted transmission of traditional craftsmanship within families, the National Center for Traditional Arts has specially chosen important traditional craft lineages in Taiwan as this year’s theme, showcasing the rich tapestry of the life histories, technical legacies, and works of traditional artisan families. This exhibition features two installments of the “Crafts Passed Down Through Generations” series planned for the first and second halves of 2013. The first installment runs from today until June 16 at the Exhibition Hall of the Center, displaying nine major traditional crafts including shadow puppetry figures, glove puppetry figures, stone carving, and painted art, along with the heritage life stories of their respective families.

The first “Crafts Passed Down Through Generations” exhibition features nine artisan families across various traditional craft categories, including shadow puppetry figures, glove puppetry figures, stone carving, painted art, lanterns, embroidery, paper paste art, wood carving, and tin art. Each family’s story is deeply moving, such as that of the first-generation performer Zhang Zhuangzhao, followed by Zhang Wang, Zhang Chuan, Zhang Jiao, Zhang Decheng, and others, whose continuous efforts have led to the development of one of Taiwan’s most influential traditional performing arts. Another example is the family that established a folk art workshop in Lugang after migrating from Quanzhou, passing down distinctive regional styles and craftsmanship. There is also the family preserving the foundational philosophy and style of Dajia Mazu’s palanquin, with each generation contributing unique designs and techniques. In addition, there is the lineage in Luodong that emphasizes simplicity and humility, the family behind the highly ranked “Fenghua Lanterns” known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, and those who have traveled across Taiwan, leaving their mark through performances and workshops. Moreover, there is the family excelling in the “Five Color Painting” technique, ranking first among lacquerware brands, and others dedicated to temple architecture, mural painting, sculpture, and decorative arts.