Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum Introduction
The Lacquerware Museum is the first public lacquerware exhibition hall in Taiwan. The development of lacquer art in Taiwan can be traced back to the Japanese colonial period, when the forests of Dasyueshan and Baxianshan in Taichung provided materials necessary for lacquerware crafts. Furthermore, the Japanese cultivated the lacquer industry in the central region, resulting in a number of skilled lacquer craftsmen and contributing to the booming development of the lacquer industry in Taichung City. Around the 1960s, with investment from the United States and technology provided by Japan, the "Milpahero Factory" was established in Fengyuan, specializing in the production of salad bowls that fall between wooden and lacquered products. Subsequently, many lacquer craftsmen began to open their own businesses, and by the 1960s and 1970s, there were over 40 lacquer shops in the area. This period was also a golden age for exporting to Japan, with most lacquerware being exported from the Fengyuan area, making it a hub for lacquer art in Taiwan. Today, with the globalization of industries and the shifting focus of manufacturing, Fengyuan lacquer art is also transitioning from mass production to refined craftsmanship, continuing its legacy of innovation. The establishment of the Lacquerware Museum symbolizes the locomotive of lacquer innovation and revival. It is located in the scenic Zhongzheng Park, with the first floor serving as an exhibition and workshop space, showcasing historical materials on lacquer crafts and works by renowned artists. The second floor mainly features local cultural industry exhibition rooms and classrooms for workshops, supporting the teaching and learning activities of inherited skills. Therefore, the Lacquerware Museum not only hosts static exhibitions but also serves as an intellectual space with educational, industrial, cultural, and recreational functions. We offer various simple DIY courses, including making seed necklaces and bird whistles using the lacquer-changing technique, and imprinting leaf vein patterns onto lacquer trays using the maki-e technique, allowing for individual creative expression. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00. Address: No. 1-1, Shuiyuan Rd, Fengyuan District, Taichung City. Contact number: 04-25130177. Guided tours: ■ Yes □ No ■ By appointment. Reservation number: 04-25130177. Other services: ■ DIY experiences: 4-inch lacquer trays, necklaces, bird whistles, chopsticks DIY courses. Text and images provided by the Taichung City Industrial Story Museum Development Association.
