Last month customs officials in the port of Keelung intercepted a package containing eight lovely pieces of pottery statues judged at first to be over 100 years old and thus classified as antiques. Under national law antiques are not allowed to be taken out of the country. Afterwards it was determined these were not in fact antiques, but valuable pieces of more recent folk art which were imitations of antiques. Regardless of the final judgment, the press had caught hold of this and suddenly a controversial topic had captured the imagination of the public--for years there had been a stream of culturally valuable pieces of folk art leaving the country bound for the collections of foreign buyers. The situation had reached the point where local temples were becoming the target of unscrupulous thieves who purloined the exquisite god statues which graced the walls of shrines throughout the nation. Temple custodians had no choice but to start encasing the statues in protective glass or wire mesh. The fact remained that these were merely preventive measures--the real solution was an awareness from the public as to the importance and valuable nature of these irreplaceable records of traditional life.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that this "folk art" is basically the trove of household goods used by the Chinese on Taiwan up to one hundred years ago. People could not separate the utilitarian use from the artistic value these pieces bore. They were too close in terms of age--these were the goods that many people may have used as children or at least the household articles of their grandparent's generation. Unlike the magnificent artworks of antiquity, these beds, clothes, chairs, pots and pans represented the recent past, not some distant, powerful dynastic tradition. In reality, they failed to see that there are many types of beauty in art. These folk crafts represent a simple, practical beauty that is an enduring symbol of the cultural aspirations of the people who made and used them.

After the Japanese left the island in 1945, an abundance of these goods flooded the local market. No one could see any use for them so they soon cluttered the shelves, floors and even sidewalks of shops. While local residents did not buy them, foreign visitors soon began to buy these handicrafts and take them back to their home countries where they became charming additions to any shelf or living-room.

During the rapid economic development of the 1960's, a boom in the building industry occurred which literally reshaped the former living structure of society on the island. Apartment buildings sprang up where once quaint, wooden houses stood; refrigerators, fans, television sets and the plethora of other consumer goods that symbolized prosperity soon replaced the traditionally used articles. Old items soon filled up shops, especially in the suburban areas of T'ien Mu, Shihlin and along Chungshan North Road.

With prosperity and security already a fact of daily life, a new movement among the youth began to take root in the 1970s. There was a new mood of introspection, a realism and interest in the roots of the culture took hold, especially in the arts. The younger generation, infected with this spirit took an interest in the folk art of previous generations. Gradually they began to discover the intrinsic beauty and rich heritage these goods had and so they began their initial moves into collecting. Liu Wen-san, a lecturer at the Tainan Normal College is representative of this new age of enthusiasts. Originally a disciple of the modern art movements in the West, Liu discovered the special beauty and heritage of folk art while living in southern Taiwan. These simple pieces, which bore the auspicious symbols of longevity and fortune, rekindled a feeling of sentiment that recalled the familial love of his grandparents and their lifestyle.

While the intricate and exquisite works of dynastic China can be appreciated for their sheer beauty, the new collectors of folk art felt a special bond of affection for these representative pieces of an earlier, simpler time. Most of these people are trained or have careers related to the arts, so are better able to understand the value of folk art. Sharing similar interests, they often meet at antique shops, exchanging news and forging new friendships. Some like Chang Yu-hsi the general manager of the Chin Hwa Advertising Company, have held joint exhibitions of their collections. These exhibits attracted not only other young collectors, but many older people, some of whom had grown up in the countryside and used these goods. They came and offered some insightful words of advice. One sage observer pointed out that the lovely piece exhibited as a tea pot was in reality an oil lamp.

Chang Yu-hsi has taken his love for collecting and is passing it on to his children. He wants to instill a sense of respect for these goods, not only for their cultural value but for their practical use as well. Likewise, he stresses we should not be so quick to overlook the goods of our convenience age--they represent a living record of our lives for future generations.

Most of these avid collectors have used their influence in promoting this interest in folk arts. Whether through their work (as with advertisers or designers), or through telling friends or by opening shops, they have helped create a new trend among the public in realizing the attractive nature of embellishing the interior of the home with folk art. Those who open shops often restore pieces and give them a new utilitarian value as well. Flower pots become unusual fish-bowls, lovely embroidered pieces of garments, framed and hung on walls are an interesting addition to the visual art world.

As folk art becomes popular with the general public there are those who question the motive and sincerity behind this trend. Is it just another fad that has captured the public's fancy, like the countless fashionable trends and foreign influences of previous years?

Chuang Po-ho an art critic dismisses these charges as unimportant. Whatever the motive, fad or true interest, the important point is that the public has at least come to appreciate the beauty and the importance in preserving these valuable articles.

In 1982 the government passed new legislation protecting those areas or goods deemed to be of cultural significance. This bill not only seeks to preserve the legacy of Chinese folk art but also provides provisions to encourage existing artisans to continue producing goods and pass on their skills.

As public consciousness has become aware of the importance of preserving and maintaining the traditional folk arts in the Republic of China, there are those who call for the establishment of folk museums to serve as repositories for the preservation of folk art for future generations.

While museums, laws and other protective measures are necessary steps, the most important step in the successful protection of folk art traditions is the support and interest of the public.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

1. Once a part of the traditional building, these exquisitely carved lions are now fashionable home decoration pieces. 2. Clothing, god statues, furniture, even coarse earthen urns--all are displayed in folk art stores. 3. A stone mortar becomes a goldfish bowl, while earthen pots are stylish planters. 4. These articles are displayed in shops just waiting for that certain buyer.

1,2. Chiao Chih pottery has always been one of the folk art market's most popular pieces: 1. a newer piece, 2. one in an older style. 3. Paper cuttings, mounted and hung, are delightful wall decorations. 4. Decorative molds for steamed delicacies are another one of the popular folk art pieces people love to collect. 5. This lovely embroidered hanging was formerly hung from beds as a form of embellishment. 6. The curved shape of this incense holder is quite unique. 7. The wooden base of this carved candle holder displays an incredible intricacy.

Lovely god statues are one of the most popular items collected by aficionados of folk art. Pictured are some delightful selections from Wang Ming-sheng's vast collection.

1. Grandmother's bed is not only exquisitely carved, it contains many drawers which serve as a wonderful place for children to hunt for treasures. 2. Early porcelain plates complemented by the wooden stand, create a stunning embellishment to the dining room. 3. According to legend, this dish for storing valuables can bring both wealth and luck with it. 4. A door hanging with the eight diagrams formed from linear combinations is said to ward off evil. 5. Colorful puppets from the 1960s not only make clever home decorations but are delightful toys for children to enjoy as well.

1. T'ai Shih chairs arranged in a modern living-room make for a harmonious room arrangement. 2. A stone lion set at the door can take on the responsibility of watching over the home. 3. An interesting effect is created when dried branches are arranged in this large earthen urn. 4. These wooden window blinds are strictly a wall embellishment. 5. Wooden carvings made into mirrors are a popular item in folk art shops. 6. This lamp base was originally the leg of a traditional bed.

2. Clothing, god statues, furniture, even coarse earthen urns--all are displayed in folk art stores.

3. A stone mortar becomes a goldfish bowl, while earthen pots are stylish planters.

4. These articles are displayed in shops just waiting for that certain buyer.

1,2. Chiao Chih pottery has always been one of the folk art market's most popular pieces: 1. a newer piece.

2. one in an older style.

3. Paper cuttings, mounted and hung, are delightful wall decorations.

4. Decorative molds for steamed delicacies are another one of the popular folk art pieces people love to collect.

5. This lovely embroidered hanging was formerly hung from beds as a form of embellishment.

6. The curved shape of this incense holder is quite unique.

7. The wooden base of this carved candle holder displays an incredible intricacy.

Lovely god statues are one of the most popular items collected by aficionados of folk art. Pictured are some delightful selections from Wang Ming-sheng's vast collection.

Lovely god statues are one of the most popular items collected by aficionados of folk art. Pictured are some delightful selections from Wang Ming-sheng's vast collection.

Lovely god statues are one of the most popular items collected by aficionados of folk art. Pictured are some delightful selections from Wang Ming-sheng's vast collection.

Lovely god statues are one of the most popular items collected by aficionados of folk art. Pictured are some delightful selections from Wang Ming-sheng's vast collection.

1. Grandmother's bed is not only exquisitely carved, it contains many drawers which serve as a wonderful place for children to hunt for treasures.

2. Early porcelain plates complemented by the wooden stand, create a stunning embellishment to the dining room.

3. According to legend, this dish for storing valuables can bring both wealth and luck with it.

4. A door hanging with the eight diagrams formed from linear combinations is said to ward off evil.

5. Colorful puppets from the 1960s not only make clever home decorations but are delightful toys for children to enjoy as well.

1. T'ai Shih chairs arranged in a modern living-room make for a harmonious room arrangement.

2. A stone lion set at the door can take on the responsibility of watching over the home.

3. An interesting effect is created when dried branches are arranged in this large earthen urn.

4. These wooden window blinds are strictly a wall embellishment.

5. Wooden carvings made into mirrors are a popular item in folk art shops.

6. This lamp base was originally the leg of a traditional bed.