By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
As you enter Lele Wood’s showcase area in Dongshi, a calming sensation envelops you. The wooden objects on the display shelves are minimalistic and unembellished. The quiet dignity of the wood’s natural hues creates a soothing presence that makes it hard to leave. You can’t help but pause and draw closer. “I love simplicity—I don’t use color or chemical paint, just oil, to let the wood’s true color shine through.”
Meng Yi, who loves Japanese woodworking styles, emphasizes minimalism and showcases the wood’s natural color. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Meng Yi admits that her woodworking style is heavily influenced by Japan. She has read extensively from Japanese books and admires how the Japanese highlight the raw texture and color of wood. Additionally, with a background in industrial design, she considers practicality—simplifying production processes, shortening manufacturing time, and reducing costs are all key design considerations. “Does that sound too commercial?” Meng Yi laughs, insisting she’s not an artist and doesn’t aspire to be one. Though her starting point is rooted in production logistics, the truth is, when it comes to design, the simpler it is, the harder it is to perfect.
During our conversation, we pointed out to Meng Yi the wooden flower stand by the display room window, with its sleek hollowed-out design that really stood out. “That’s leftover material,” she said. What!? Only after her explanation did we learn that the hollowed part was originally cut by a factory to make a cup holder, and this entire leftover piece of wood was something Meng Yi salvaged. After observing and reflecting on it, she decided to turn it into a flower stand. “It’s not ready for sale yet—I’ll add supports to reinforce the structure.”
Natural color is the hallmark of Lele Wood’s Japanese-inspired aesthetic. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
It’s truly amazing—what others might see as worthless scraps finds new life in Meng Yi’s hands. “Woodworkers always keep leftover and offcut materials,” she added, pointing to a bird-shaped doorstop. “This triangular scrap—I wondered what I could make of it, so I turned it into a doorstop. Later, I realized it could also work as a bookend.” Taiwan enforces a logging ban, so most wood is imported, making it important to use every bit wisely. “It helps reduce deforestation, and even small pieces can still be useful.”
On the day of our visit, Meng Yi took a square block of wood and, through simple cutting, drilling, and sanding, turned it into a name card holder and pen stand. Without flashy decorations or complicated processes, the wood block became a functional household item—its natural wooden texture fully on display.
With just a touch of creativity, wood can be given a new lease on life. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Perhaps the sight of woodpiles lining the roadsides of Fengyuan will never return, nor will the image of children from Fengyuan playing and hiding among them linger except in memory. But the possibility of living joyfully with wood can still be realized and continue to happen—at Lele Wood, and in the hearts of everyone who loves wood, transformed and brought to life.
[Info]
Address: No. 408-1, Dongguan Road, Dongshi District, Taichung City
Phone: 0988-958-709
Website: tw.myblog.yahoo.com/lifeaesthetics-exhibition
Event: Paint Your Own Heat Shield, 200 TWD per person, groups of 10 or more, reservation required.
● Further Reading:
Taichung Handmade Shop Micro-Tour: Discover the Warmth of Local Artisan Shops
http://goo.gl/98Fyzc
MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network — Taiwan’s Largest Travel Information Platform
www.mook.com.tw
Plan your trip now and embark on a micro-tour of Taichung’s handmade shops. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)