Lai Gao Mountain Art Memorial Hall Introduction
Mr. Lai Kaohsan, the founder, has studied lacquer art since childhood and dedicated his life to the creation, research, and development of Taiwan's lacquer culture. Recognizing the importance of the transmission and promotion of traditional crafts, he has provided his collection of lacquer artifacts gathered over sixty years for public viewing. The works in the museum are creations by the Lai father and son since the 1940s. Due to their continuous research into the techniques and materials of lacquer art, the collection is quite rich. It can be roughly divided into several areas: lacquer painting, masks, lacquer pottery, various techniques, everyday items, and a display of materials and tools. Visitors will be impressed by the 36 steps of lacquer artistry, the invaluable stacked lacquer vases, and the unique craftsmanship of "carved lacquer" by the Lai father and son. The museum also showcases recent research creations in lacquer art such as lacquer zither, lacquer table, and the recently developed "Dadong lacquer pottery" tableware in collaboration with the Council for Cultural Affairs by Mr. Lai Zuoming, which is particularly special as it employs the method of leaf imprinting, featuring the unique Malkang leaves from the Liudong shop area. In the future, the museum will not only continue its efforts in researching and promoting lacquer culture but also move towards offering DIY creative workshops for visitors and developing practical artworks to bring more people closer to lacquer culture. Mr. Lai Kaohsan was taught by the Japanese craftsman Yamashita Ko, where he learned carving techniques and the lacquer technique "Penglai Tsu" that incorporates Taiwanese imagery at the Taichung Craft School. In the year 2000, Lai Kaohsan and his son Lai Zuoming converted their former lacquer factory and residence into the Taiwan Lacquer Culture Museum. Currently, the museum centers around the life and works of Mr. Lai Kaohsan and the development of Taiwan's wood lacquer culture, elevating Taichung's unique lacquer culture as a characteristic of Taiwan. Guided tours: ■ Yes □ No ■ Reservation required. Text and images provided by the Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau.
