Old Beauty. Daily Necessities. Antique Tools Introduction
Chiayi Century-old House x Aesthetic Philosophy Across Time and Form As you turn from Chenggong Street into Xirong Street, a pair of symmetrical black-tiled wooden houses stands quietly in the alley, exuding a sense of rustic elegance. A few years ago, the couple who owns the place faced numerous challenges while planning to restore these two wooden houses from the Japanese colonial period. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture's Old House Revitalization Program, they aimed to restore the buildings to their original state, striving to preserve the century-old appearance of Taiwanese residences. The operators, Xiao Zhang and Xiao Fang, both graduates of the Department of Art, have a keen sensitivity to aesthetics. With over 20 years of experience in antique dealing, they've further solidified their life philosophy of "not being bound by the value or age of items, but focusing solely on the pursuit of beauty." Instead of getting entangled in weighing the appearances of objects, they believe it’s better to first consider whether the chosen item is something they truly love. The age of an item is not the focal point of a collection; as long as the color, texture, or shape resonates with their sense of beauty, it can be included in their treasure trove. Beautiful old objects often show unique appearances and brilliance due to the different ways they are used by various owners. This beauty of age, which cannot be replicated easily, is what makes "appreciation" enjoyable. As the Japanese folk art master Yanagi Soetsu said, "Use your hands to feel; your hands will have the answers." The opening days for visitors are announced on their Facebook page each month, and you are welcome to come and select items. At other times, to avoid interference from tourists, please make a reservation in advance. Image source: Chiayi City Government Tourism News Office | Photography: Mag.
