Huang Li-Shu Crafts House Introduction
"Combining bamboo weaving and lacquer art, Huang Li-Shu is the first person in Taiwan to do so. She is a disciple of the late lacquer master Chen Huo-Qing and casually references both domestic and international anecdotes related to lacquer art. Now, in retirement, her focus has shifted entirely to promoting lacquer art: 'Creation is a personal expression and a dream, and resonating with the audience is very important; the joy of sharing the beauty of lacquer art is more meaningful than my own creations.’ ■ Crossing Boundaries, Exploring Independently Huang Li-Shu's entry into the glamorous world of lacquer art was not deliberate. Initially, she taught visual arts at Bamboo Mountain High School in Nantou County, having no knowledge of bamboo weaving. In the first two months of the bamboo weaving course offered by the school, she quickly sought a master to learn, and also apprenticed with bamboo weaving master Huang Tu-Shan. Later, Huang Li-Shu joined the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, working in the design team responsible for product development of bamboo products. However, due to the high moisture content in bamboo, it is prone to mold and has a short lifespan. Over twenty years ago, Huang Li-Shu pondered how to enhance the added value of these products. She noticed that Japanese flower arranging often uses dark lacquered bamboo baskets as vases, which are made with natural lacquer, so she bought some to experiment. Without any previous models to follow, Huang Li-Shu independently explored the intersection of bamboo weaving and lacquer art and eventually paved a broad path forward. ■ A Mission with Lacquer Perhaps it was destined for her to work with lacquer art; many people are allergic to raw lacquer, but she is not affected by the natural enzymes in lacquer and even fell in love with it. After taking care of her family and finishing dinner, she returned to the factory at the research institute to continue making lacquerware. 'Now, lacquer art has become an inseparable part of my life.' In her studio's floor-to-ceiling display cabinet, beautiful lacquer pieces fill the space, all treasures of Huang Li-Shu. Practical lacquered items like wooden clogs, round trays, and wooden bowls serve as proof of her efforts to bring lacquerware into the homes of ordinary people. Lacquerware remains a niche market in Taiwan, and while creating lacquer pieces, Huang Li-Shu also feels a strong sense of mission. In addition to teaching at the Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation at Yunlin University of Science and Technology and the Yilan Traditional Arts Center, she actively promotes through community engagement, helping people understand the beauty of lacquerware and traditional culture through hands-on experiences. ■ Teaching and Research: Joy in It Huang Li-Shu teaches community mothers at the Nantou County Life Reconstruction Association to make lacquerware on a voluntary basis. After the 72 Water Disaster, the century-old Nuomi Bridge in Guoxing Township was damaged and became a nationally recognized attraction. Community mothers crafted lacquered trays with the Nuomi Bridge design. She said, 'In class, both the teacher and students are enjoying themselves, and some mothers plan to make a few more to gift each of their daughters a piece of lacquerware as a dowry.' During the Japanese colonial period, a batch of Edo period maki-e lacquerware was left behind by the Governor-General's Office. Huang Li-Shu was commissioned by 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 and verifying their historical context and dates. Often, she finds herself busy in the studio with little free time, but despite the busyness, Huang Li-Shu is filled with joy."
