Huang Lishu - Craft House Introduction
"Combining bamboo weaving and lacquer art, Huang Lishu is the first in Taiwan. She is a disciple of the late lacquer master Chen Huo-qing, and can easily reference numerous domestic and international anecdotes about lacquer art. Now, after retiring, her focus in life is entirely on promoting lacquer art: 'Creation is a personal expression and a dream. It is very important to resonate with the audience; the joy of sharing the beauty of lacquer art is more meaningful than creating it myself.' ■ Cross-disciplinary exploration Huang Lishu's entry into the glamorous world of lacquer art was unintentional. Initially, she taught visual arts at Zhushan High School in Nantou County, with no knowledge of bamboo weaving. In the first two months after bamboo weaving classes were introduced at the school, she quickly found a master to learn on the spot and even apprenticed with bamboo weaving master Huang Tushan. Later, Huang Lishu joined the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, working in the design team on product development, specifically designing bamboo products. However, bamboo has high moisture content, is prone to mold, and has a short lifespan. Over twenty years ago, she was pondering how to enhance the added value of products. She noticed that Japanese flower arrangement used many black lacquered bamboo baskets as vases, made with natural lacquer. Thus, she bought some to experiment with. Without any precedents, Huang Lishu independently explored the intersection of bamboo weaving and lacquer art, eventually carving out a broad path. ■ A bond with lacquer, filled with a sense of mission Perhaps it was destined for her to work with lacquer. Many people are allergic to raw lacquer, but she is unaffected by the natural enzymes in lacquer and has fallen in love with it. After caring for her family and having dinner, she returns to the institute's factory to continue making lacquerware. 'Now, lacquer art has long become a part of my life, inseparable from it.' In the display cases of her studio, beautiful lacquer art pieces shine, all treasures of Huang Lishu. Practical lacquered wooden clogs, plates, and bowls are proof of her success in bringing lacquerware into the homes of ordinary people. In Taiwan, lacquerware still belongs to a niche market, but while creating lacquerware, Huang Lishu also feels a significant sense of mission. In addition to teaching at the Cultural Heritage Maintenance Department of Yunlin University of Science and Technology and the Yilan Traditional Arts Center, she actively promotes the art in the community, allowing everyone to understand the beauty of lacquerware and traditional culture through hands-on experience. ■ Teaching and research, joyous engagement Huang Lishu voluntarily teaches community mothers at the Nantou County Life Reconstruction Association to make lacquerware. After the 72 floods, the century-old Nuomi Bridge in Guoxing Township was damaged and became a renowned national landmark. Community mothers made lacquered plates featuring the Nuomi Bridge pattern. She said, 'During classes, both the teacher and students are having fun. Some mothers plan to make a few more to give each daughter a piece of lacquerware as a dowry.' The government during the Japanese colonial period left behind a batch of Edo-period maki-e lacquerware. Huang Lishu accepted a commission from the Cultural Heritage Center to conduct research. For over a year, she has led her students in documenting the techniques and characteristics of each piece of lacquerware, analyzing their historical significance and dating. Spending time in the studio often leaves her no moment to spare, yet despite her busy schedule, Huang Lishu is filled with happiness. (Text and images from the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute)"
