Arechitecture Furniture and Temple Deities

Styles of Each Chinese Dynasty

　The exhibition area of the Museum includes the second, third, and fourth floors of the second exhibition hall as well as the basement and two levels of the main exhibition hall.

　We suggest that you start your visit from the Forest Area in order to immerse yourself in the relaxing green woods and the sounds of the forest.

　Then, we will take you back in time in order to show you the “Origins of Wood Carving” and to allow you to compare the different artifacts of ancient wood carving, wood carvings of the aboriginals and contemporary wood carving. In this area, you will also see the origin, development and changes that have taken place in the carving arts.

　On the way back, you will see different wood carvings in the “Carving in Chinese History” exhibition area.

　In the area of “Wood Carving of Austronesians in Taiwan,” you will see wood carvings of Paiwan tribe of southern Taiwan and the Tao tribe from an off-shore island. You will be able to experience the strong emotion hidden in wood carving works.

　Next, go to “Origin of Wood Carving in Sanyi” to see how early craftsmen used natural woods to make decorations and how they gradually combined natural woods with other materials and explored the ways of wood carving using a combination of different materials. This exhibition will allow you to discover the history of wood carving in Sanyi.

　In the area of “Architecture and Furniture,” exquisite hand-made furniture and architectural designs drawn in the early history of Taiwan are displayed. If you observe closely, you will see that most of the carvings center around the idea about “expel the evil spirits and seek good luck.”

　The exhibition area of “Religious Statues” showcases ancient religious statutes from Song, Yuan, Ming and Ching Dynasties, as well as modern religious statues. Craftsmen have also taken an innovative approach to representing the statues of the Three Saints of the West and Caturmaharajakayikas. These non-painted works of natural woods can best demonstrate the beauty of contemporary wood carving.

　If you are curious about wood carving methods and techniques, you may visit the “Wood Carving Studio” to find out about the types of woods used in carving. You will be given the opportunity to learn about different wood carving tools, skills and styles. You will also see how craftsmen carve a piece of wood to create a work of art, and how they process and preserve wood carving works. If you come at the right time, you will have an opportunity to see artists, who are invited to the Museum occasionally, demonstrating wood carving skills. You might even learn how to carve a piece of wood yourself!

　The Museum also has several special exhibition areas displaying different wood carving styles and features. These exhibition areas provide wood carving artists a place to exchange ideas and to present their works. At the same time, visitors can admire outstanding masterpieces of wood carving.

　To encourage more people to participate wood carving activities, Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum has organized a number of events promoting wood carving art. The annual Exchange Exhibition of Wood Sculpture brings together wood carving artists from Taiwan and from abroad. They can engage in inspiring dialogue with the public through their works, and they have an opportunity to encourage other artists to go beyond their boundaries. The international event is also considered an important factor in promoting local culture and the tourism industry. In the future, the Museum will continue to promote and head the development of wood carving art and ensure that the reputation of Sanyi as the hometown of wood carving remains strong in the new century.