Old Goodness. Life Utensils. Antique Tools Introduction
Jiayi's Century-Old House: Aesthetic Philosophy Across Time and Form Turning from Chenggong Street into Xirong Street, the symmetrical black-tiled wooden houses quietly stand in the alley, displaying an ancient rustic elegance. A few years ago, when the owner couple planned to restore these two wooden houses from the Japanese colonial period, they faced numerous challenges. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture's old house revitalization program, they aimed to "restore to its original form," striving to preserve the appearance of a hundred-year-old Taiwanese residence. The proprietors, Xiaozhang and Xiaofang, both graduates of an arts department, have a particularly keen sensitivity to beauty. With around 20 years of experience in the antique market, they have solidified their life philosophy of "not being constrained by the age or value of objects, but solely focusing on the existence of beauty." Rather than being caught up in the dilemma of an object's market value, they believe it is more important to focus on whether the item is genuinely loved. The age of an object is not the primary consideration for collectors; as long as the color, texture, or shape of the item aligns with their aesthetic sensibilities, it can be welcomed into their treasure trove. Beautiful old objects often exhibit unique appearances and brilliance due to the different ways they are used by their owners. This beauty, which cannot be quickly replicated, adds to the enjoyment of "appreciation." As the Japanese folk craft master Yanagita Kunio once said, "Feel with your hands, and your hands will have the answer." The monthly open days for business will be announced on Facebook, allowing visitors to freely select items. To avoid disruptions from tourists at other times, please make an appointment in advance. Image source: Chiayi City Government Tourism Bureau | Photography: Mag.
