Lai Gao Mountain Art Memorial Hall Introduction
The founder, Mr. Lai Gao-Shan, has been dedicated to the study of lacquer art since childhood, devoting his life to the creation, research, and development of Taiwan's lacquer culture. Feeling the importance of promoting the inheritance of traditional crafts, he provides the lacquer artifacts that he has learned, created, and collected over a span of sixty years for public viewing. The works displayed in the museum are all creations by the Lai father and son since the 1940s. Through continuous research on lacquer art techniques and materials, the collection has become quite rich. It can be roughly divided into areas such as lacquer paintings, mask exhibits, lacquer ceramics, categorized techniques, daily utensils, and material/tool display areas. Visitors will be deeply impressed by the 36 steps of lacquer art, the invaluable stacked lacquer bottles, and the unique skill of "carved lacquer" mastered by the Lai family. The museum also showcases the latest creations in lacquer art research, such as lacquered instruments and lacquer tables, as well as the exquisite "Dadong lacquer ceramics" tableware developed by Mr. Lai Zuo-Ming in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture’s refined cultural and creative industry. Notably, using the leaf-printing method, the unique Malabathrum leaves from the Li-tou-dian area of Nantun are printed on the lacquer surface. In the future, in addition to continuing to research and promote lacquer culture, the museum will also focus on DIY easy creation for visitors and developing everyday works to bring lacquer art closer to the public. Mr. Lai Gao-Shan was taught by the Japanese master Yamashita Ko, learning carving techniques and the lacquer art "Penglai coating" that integrates Taiwanese imagery at the Taichung Craft Institute. In 2000, Lai Gao-Shan and his son Lai Zuo-Ming transformed their former lacquer factory and residence into the "Taiwan Lacquer Culture Museum," which currently centers on Mr. Lai Gao-Shan's life, creations, and the development of Taiwan’s lacquer culture, emphasizing Taichung's unique lacquer culture as a characteristic of Taiwan. Guided tours available: ■ Yes □ No ■ By reservation. Content provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government.
