A New Chapter in the History of Taiwan’s Fine Crafts A Contemporary “National Palace Museum”

In 2015, following eight years of renovation, the Taipei Contemporary Craft Design Branch of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI) opened its new facility in the old building formerly known as the National Taiwan Science Education Center of Nanhai Academy. The exterior of the building, designed in 1956 by renowned architect Yu-Jun LU, is modelled on the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.。

The Taipei Contemporary Craft Design Branch is set on becoming Taiwan’s modern-day “National Palace Museum” through helping Taiwan’s artisans showcase their contemporary pieces, and by providing a space for fine craft demonstrations. It aims to rekindle the celebrated history of Nanhai Academy and show the world the remarkable skills and accomplishments of Taiwan’s artisans.

Taiwan’s artisans have made the beauty of their fine crafts tangible through pursuing a vigorous process of technical and methodological refinement while still continuing to highlight the spiritual heritage of their approach. The first exhibition is “Masterpieces: Contemporary Crafts Collection”. The exhibition pays tribute to national artisans for their “heavenly” creative skills, displaying the outstanding and unique results of their exceptional artisanship.

As you progress through the exhibition, the atmosphere leads you to feel as if you are browsing through stylish boutiques. You witness too the connection between the idea of fine crafts and their place in everyday life as each piece brings out the inherent value of aesthetics in Taiwan’s contemporary fine crafts.

The Extraordinary Spirit and Skills of Artisans and their Masterpieces

"Masterpieces: Contemporary Crafts Collection” exhibits the work of over fifty skilled artisans from different generational backgrounds and fields of work. The exhibition focuses on two themes: “Master Artisans” and “Fine Crafts”. “Master Artisans” is divided into three areas: classical, trendsetting, and those with their own brand. “Fine Crafts” explores imagery that is diverse and creative, encouraging viewers to break from established viewpoints and engage with new perspectives. As a whole, the exhibition pays tribute to and honors the reputations the artisans have earned, and the ways in which they bring a rich cultural heritage and aesthetic value to our lives.