Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum Introduction
The Lacquer Art Museum is the first public lacquer art exhibition hall in Taiwan. The development of lacquer art in Taiwan can be traced back to the Japanese colonial period, when the Dasyueshan and Baxianshan forestry areas in Taichung provided the materials necessary for lacquer craftsmanship. Additionally, the Japanese government promoted the lacquer industry in central Taiwan, nurturing many talented lacquer artisans. The combination of favorable geographical conditions and skilled labor led to the prosperous development of the lacquer industry in Taichung City. Around the 1960s, an American-funded factory named "Milpa Helo Factory" was established in Fengyuan, with Japan providing the equipment and technology, focusing on producing salad bowls that bridged wooden and lacquerware. Subsequently, many lacquer artisans started their own businesses, and by the 1970s, there were over 40 lacquer shops in the area. This period also marked the golden age of exporting lacquerware to Japan, with the majority of products being shipped from the Fengyuan area, making it a hub for lacquer art in Taiwan. Today, the lacquer industry has gradually moved to labor-intensive developing countries, and the flourishing lacquer art scene in Fengyuan is no longer as vibrant. Thus, the establishment of the Lacquer Art Museum signifies the revival and innovation of lacquer art. The museum is located in the picturesque Zhongzheng Park, featuring an exhibition hall and workshop on the first floor, displaying historical materials of lacquer craftsmanship and works by renowned artists. The second floor mainly serves as a local cultural industry exhibition room and a workshop classroom, supporting skill inheritance and educational activities. Hence, the Lacquer Art Museum is not only a space for static exhibitions but also serves educational, industrial, cultural, and recreational functions. We offer various simple DIY courses, including the production of seed necklaces and bird whistles using the modified lacquer technique, and the simple art of transferring leaf vein patterns onto lacquer trays using the Maki-e technique, allowing for personal creative expression. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00 Address: No. 1-1, Shuiyuan Road, Fengyuan District, Taichung City Contact phone: 04-25130177 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/豐原漆藝館-444376028984889/ Guided tours: ■ Yes □ No ■ By appointment Appointment phone: 04-25130177 Other services: ■ DIY Experience: 4-inch lacquer trays, necklaces, bird whistles, chopstick DIY courses. Text and images provided by the Taichung City Industrial Story Hall Development Association.
