With exports passing the US$100 million mark, and growth averaging 30 percent a year, electric lamps have become one of the most important foreign exchange earners in the Republic of China. Led by decorative lamps and bulbs, the products are currently sold in more than 20 countries and areas.

At the time the Japanese occupation ended in 1945, the industry had not been established in Taiwan, and all lighting products were brought in from Japan. When the government of the Republic of China moved from the mainland several manufacturers formerly established in Shanghai transferred to Taiwan. But because of the out-dated equipment and technology used, quality was low.

In 1955, Taiwan's first electric bulb manufacturer, the China Electric Manufacturing Corp. was established through cooperation with a foreign company. As more and more manufacturers entered the line, technology was further improved and by 1964, the industry was able to meet all domestic needs.

The Taiwan Fluorescent Lamp Co. was established in 1954 to make fluorescent lamps for the first time, also with the help of foreign cooperation. As a result of strenuous efforts by manufacturers and appropriate government aid, the industry was soon able to export for the first time as well as meet all domestic needs. The industry continued to expand until Taiwan became a leading world supplier of Christmas and general decorative lamps.

Statistics show that with Taiwan's low labor costs and low price of natural gas, the products first became competitive on international markets in 1964. By 1974, the export value had reached US$44 million, but the recession of 1974 pushed sales down. Since 1976, when the worldwide economic recovery started, sales have risen continuously.

Main items produced in Taiwan in the category include ceiling pendants, down lights, bracket lanterns, standard lamps, door lamps, star lights, sparkling lights, spotlights and self-assembly lampshades.

Good decorative lighting is characterized by simple functional design and excellent illuminating qualities. As a famous French artist said: "Light is part of life. It can be integrated in two different ways. Either a sculpture is luminous or the light itself is a sculpture. These luminous objects tolerate no compromise." Design is therefore particularly important in electric lamp manufacture.

Manufacturers started by taking foreign products and making changes to meet local needs. As they gradually developed their own style, the Chinese flavor was incorporated into lamp design.

At present, Taiwan's decorative lamps are exported to such countries and areas as the U.S., Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, West Germany and the Middle East. The fact that export value grew by 12 times between 1970 and 1978 is an indication of the excellent quality and reasonable price of Taiwan products, which should keep the door to international markets open in the future.

[Picture Caption]

1. Small lamps used in buildings with low ceilings. 2. Novel pendant lamp is suitable for a small living room. 3. Various kinds of lamps displayed in a store. 4. Glass sculpture lamps for using in the parlor. 5. Lamp stores have spring up like bamboo shoots after the rain.

1. Delicately processed bamboo lamps. 2. This lampstand is designed with a Chinese flavor. 3. Self-assembly lampshades come in many styles. 4. Wooden lamp parts create a warm atmosphere. 5. & 6. Various kinds of wall lamps. 7. Lamp designed for the children's room. 8. Rain lights.

1. & 2. Lo Men, the poet, uses waste items to make lamps. 3. Soft lighting brings harmony and warmth to every family. 4. Mass production of lamps has been made possible through division of labor. 5. Lamps play an important role in store decoration.

Novel pendant lamp is suitable for a small living room.

Various kinds of lamps displayed in a store.

Glass sculpture lamps for using in the parlor.

Lamp stores have spring up like bamboo shoots after the rain.

Delicately processed bamboo lamps.

This lampstand is designed with a Chinese flavor.

Self-assembly lampshades come in many styles.

Wooden lamp parts create a warm atmosphere.

Various kinds of wall lamps.

Various kinds of wall lamps.

Lamp designed for the children's room.

Rain lights.

Lo Men, the poet, uses waste items to make lamps.

Lo Men, the poet, uses waste items to make lamps.

Soft lighting brings harmony and warmth to every family.

Mass production of lamps has been made possible through division of labor.

Lamps play an important role in store decoration.