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This exhibition examines the rush industry’s innovative nature, presenting the unique depth of rush weaving’s aesthetics and its historical value to Taiwan.
The exhibition 'Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving' has been specially curated for London Craft Week 2021.
Taiwanese rush weaving has a history reaching back over 300 years, originating from the small township of Yuanli in northwestern Taiwan. Playing host to this unique industry, Yuanli is known as the hometown of Taiwanese rush.
Handicrafts such as rush-woven mats and hats were among Taiwan’s top three exports during the Japanese colonial era and the post-World War II period. As time went on, Taiwan’s rapid economic development and the rise of mass-produced goods on the island nation caused a decline in the rush weaving industry. However, in recent years, a younger generation of talented young artisans have returned to Yuanli, sparking a renewed interest in this traditional industry and reviving the craft of rush weaving. A new page in the story of Taiwanese rush weaving has thus begun, giving the craft global recognition.
Taiwanese rush weaving is considered to be an intangible cultural asset. It goes beyond time, location and material, remaining an unshakeable traditional craft. As time goes by, rush weaving has become a shared memory of Taiwanese people. 'We tell the story of the Taiwanese culture through the craft of rush weaving'.
In association with Taiwan Yuan-Li Handiwork Association and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan.