Lai Gao Mountain Art Memorial Hall Introduction
Mr. Lai Kao-Shan, the founder, studied lacquer art from a young age and dedicated his life to the creation, research, and development of Taiwanese lacquer culture. Feeling the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts, he has provided for public viewing a collection of lacquer artifacts accumulated over sixty years. The works exhibited in the museum are creations of the Lai family since the 1940s. Due to continuous research into lacquer techniques and materials, the collection is extensive. It can be divided into areas such as lacquer painting, masks, lacquer pottery, various technique displays, daily necessities, and materials/tools exhibitions. Visitors will be impressed by the 36 steps of lacquer art, the invaluable stacked lacquer vases, and the Lai family's unique skill in "carved lacquer." The museum also showcases the latest creations in lacquer research, such as lacquer pianos and lacquer tables, as well as the "Dadong lacquer pottery" tableware recently developed by Mr. Lai Tso-Ming in collaboration with the Council for Cultural Affairs, featuring the unique technique of leaf imprinting with the distinctive Acanthopanax leaves from the Li-Tou-Dian area of Nantun. In the future, the museum will continue to focus on research and promotion of lacquer culture while moving towards DIY creations for visitors and developing practical works to bring lacquer culture closer to the public. Mr. Lai Kao-Shan was taught by Japanese master Yamamoto Ko, and learned carving techniques and lacquer craftsmanship, including the "Penglai lacquer," at the Taichung Crafts Vocational School. In 2000, Mr. Lai Kao-Shan and his son Lai Tso-Ming transformed their former lacquer factory and residence into the Taiwan Lacquer Culture Museum. Currently, the museum focuses on Mr. Lai Kao-Shan's life achievements, his creations, and the development of Taiwanese trees and lacquer culture, promoting Taichung's unique lacquer culture as a distinctive feature of Taiwan. Guided tours are available by appointment only. Graphic materials provided by the Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau.
