Traditions

Taiwan Folk Arts

Being one of the world richest platforms for promoting arts and crafts, Taiwan has rich history in visual and performing arts. It has survived over centuries and has successfully become a realm of art for Taiwan. Being influence by the colonial arts and the development of the contemporary arts trends, Taiwan distinctive style has been modified.

Some of the famous tradition arts & crafts in Taiwan:

1. Woodcarving and woodblock paintings

The wood works of the Paiwan and Rukai tribes of southern Taiwan are particularly renowned.

2. Puppetry

With a history of 200 years, gloved puppets, shadow puppets and marionettes are the primarily puppetry in Taiwan. It is performed nearly on every festival. These shows showcase the classical and folk literature in the form of entertainment.

Being important traditional performing arts, it comprises not just music but also literature and voice acting.

The puppetry that was use to performed was expertly sewed and crafted by the performer. Though the puppet has no facial expression but through the professional acting of the puppeteer, it gave out liveliness of the figurines.

3. Ceramics

Contemporary ceramic has surface since the late 1940s in Miaoli City and Yingge Township in Taipei County. Latest pieces of Taiwan ceramics were present at Yingge Ceramic Museum to promote cultural exchanges with overseas artists

Taiwai has a distinct style of performing arts. The traditional dance is an elegant performance accompanied by traditional wood and string instruments or traditional music.

4. Opera

Opera was first introduced from the neighbouring provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. It portrays both comical and special events from everyday life.

Taiwanese opera which made used of wide range of instrument to perform comprises from the string instrument to the wind instrument. As a start it has only 3 characters performing which are the male lead, the male jester and the female lead. However, as time goes by, it expanded into having more characters in the performance.

Opera which plays an important form of entertainment sung by the local folk in the early agricultural society has evolved drastically.

Due to the commercialize industry and rapid changes in Taiwan, Taiwan Opera at a point of time have lost its demands. However, it was revived and gain popularity in the recent years, with western musical instruments like the saxophones and cellos being included into Taiwanese opera to attract and create a better stage performance of melodies.

6. Art of Tea

When tea was first introduced and imported from Mainland to Taiwan, majority of the tea drinkers are of wealthy, higher status and educated.

Local tea was produced initially for exporting purpose. The local demand for tea market boomed only during 1970s. There are 2 main type of tea: Taiwan Mountain Tea & purplish- red sprout mountain tea.

The most iconic tea in Taiwan is Oolong Tea. It is odorous and clear. It consists of sweet scent and rich flavour which blend in with the essence fragrances of the mountains and dews.

Do you know?

A Taiwanese tea connoisseur is helpful, gentle and warm. They do not put on airs and are a respectful figure.

7. Oil Paper Umbrellas ( Meinung umbrella )

Oil paper umbrellas represent Haka pride in their skill and art and their love towards their hometown. As a gift, it symbolizes good luck in Hakka custom. Making out of bamboo and paper, these umbrellas may seem fragile, however, they are all hand crafted to withstand sun and rain. Many different designs are available for sales. The typical designs are based on Chinese mythology or decorative themes like beautiful women or flowers.

Oil paper umbrellas can be found in Taipei however, it is recommended to go to the old Hakka Town to buy it.