Lai Gaoshan Memorial Art Museum Introduction
Founder Mr. Lai Gao-Shan began studying lacquer art at a young age and dedicated his life to the research and development of Taiwan's lacquer culture. Realizing the importance of inheriting and promoting traditional crafts, he has made available a collection of lacquer artifacts gathered over six decades for public viewing. The works displayed in the museum are creations by the Lai family, dating back to the 1940s. With continuous research into lacquer skills and materials, the collection is quite rich and can be categorized into lacquer painting, masks, lacquer pottery, various techniques, daily utensils, and materials/tools display areas. Visitors will be impressed by the 36 steps involved in lacquer art and the invaluable layered lacquer vases, as well as the Lai family's unique technique of "carved lacquer." The museum also showcases the latest creations in lacquer art research, such as lacquer zithers and lacquer tables, along with the recently developed "Dadu lacquer pottery" dinnerware in collaboration with the Cultural Affairs Council, which uniquely features the printing of the local Matsu tree leaves onto the lacquer surface using the leaf imprinting technique. In the future, the museum aims to continue its efforts in researching and promoting lacquer culture while offering DIY workshops for visitors and developing more accessible works to bring lacquer art closer to the public. Mr. Lai Gao-Shan was mentored by the Japanese lacquer master Yamamuchi Ko and mastered carving techniques combined with lacquer artistry known as “Penglai lacquer” at the Taichung Institute of Craft Technology. In 2000, Mr. Lai Gao-Shan and his son Lai Zuo-Ming transformed their former lacquer factory and residence into the Taiwan Lacquer Culture Museum. Currently, the museum focuses on Mr. Lai Gao-Shan's life story, creations, and the development of Taiwan's tung oil culture, showcasing Taichung's unique lacquer culture as a characteristic of Taiwan. Guided tours are available by appointment only. Text and images provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government.
