Some 25 years ago, Chen Tzu-liang happened to notice an American officer stationed in Taiwan carving patterns on cowhide. Since Chen was already skilled in the arts of wood and stone carving, it was an easy matter for him to switch his interest to carving leather, and embark on a new career.

After finding a suitable source of hides in a local leather factory, Chen started to develop advanced carving techniques, until he finally adopted two basic styles. The first involves carving geometrical and ornamental patterns on the leather with a ballpoint stylus, and then cutting away the background to create a relief design with a knife. After applying coats of heavy, oily varnish the product is endowed with a high gloss. The second technique involves simply tracing the outline of the design on the leather. After some 20 years of practice, Chen has progressed from carving simple scenic patterns to executing complicated animals and figures.

To assure perfection in the art of leathercraft, Chen is meticulous in his techniques and in choosing high-quality raw materials. Sometimes, he has to use 200 knife strokes to create the hair and feathers of animals and birds. As a result of these efforts, his representations of such creatures as bears, horses, dogs and hawks are lifelike and impressive.

Despite the time and care he has taken to create his masterpieces, Chen has never considered selling any of them. In March last year, under the sponsorship of the Sculpture Association, of which he is a member, Chen held an exhibition of leathercraft in the National Museum of History in Taipei. The 18 works on display won the admiration of numerous spectators. Through the efforts of Chen and officials concerned, leathercraft courses have been opened at leading educational institutions in Taiwan, including the National Taiwan Normal University, Shichien Home Economics College and the National Taiwan Academy of Arts as well as at many women's associations in the Taipei and Panchiao areas. Many women and youths have been provided with a new and challenging hobby and a family sideline by attending these courses.

A material of many applications, leather can be fashioned into all kinds of artifacts, including hairgrips, watchbands, belts, shoes, mirror frames, hats, wallets, keycases, handbags and frescos. Among styles of leather carving are embossing, flat modeling, and three-dimensional, while dyeing methods include model, monochrome, multilayered batik and fresco. The leather is finished by coating the surface, and treatment with silicones and waxes makes it water-resistant.

While Taiwan-made leather products are popular both at home and overseas, those featuring designs with a Chinese flavor depicting heroes from history and mythology, and temples and scenic spots in Taiwan, are the most in demand. As a delicate, sophisticated and challenging art, leathercraft is assured of a bright and profitable future in the Republic of China in the years ahead.

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Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.

Leathercraft has become a popular sideline for housewives and professional women alike. Many exquisite and delicate purses have been created by their skilled hands.