As Taiwan's first-generation artist in Western-style painting, Master Shui-Long Yen, embarked on a train trip around Taiwan for more than five months to conduct field research in craft industry in 1937. This journey prompted Master Yen’s drift away from art creation to the field of crafts.   National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute was formerly known as Nantou County Craft Research Training Program founded by Shui-Long Yen in July 1954. It has since influenced many prominent first-generation craft artists in Taiwan and shaped the course of Taiwan's crafts history and industry.

Using the image of "big tree" to symbolize the evolution and development of craft ecology, National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute is the origin of Taiwan's craft development. Through the “wind” the seeds of crafts have been spread all over the country, and taken root after 70 years. Today the craft has taken various forms and evolved into many diverse styles throughout the island.

By launching the “Craft Pilgrimage,” we begin a cross-regional “tour” in six areas. The character of “tour” in Mandarin includes “walk” on the left-hand side, and “river” in the middle, which refers to as the boundary of respective regions and perfectly echoes that the “Craft Pilgrimage” is nurtured by mountains and rivers, natural environment and ecological areas. It shows that the unique appearance formed by local crafts and creative artworks bring us the value and inspiration of beautiful life, creating a productive cycle of "living crafts and crafts in living.”

Changhua County once had the highest density of Mazu temples in the country. Therefore, religious craftsmanship has become a core value, particularly in wood carving, Buddha makeup craftsmanship and tinwork. These sacrificial crafts are closely tied to the religious ceremonies and cultural activities of Changhua, reflecting the people's respect for and preservation of traditional beliefs. The skillful works created by local craftsmen for religious purposes allow people to experience the spiritual elevation that exists between religion and craftsmanship, showcasing the divine power of sacrificial culture.

Third Stop of the Craft Pilgrimage in Changhua - Graceful and Dignified

Dates: 2024.10.29 - 2024.12.01

Venue: National Changhua Living Art Center Exhibition Rooms 1 & 2