Master of Traditional Taichung Lion Head Craft Chen Ming-hong Passes Away at 76

The traditional crafts community in Taiwan has received a somber report: Chen Ming-hong, the designated custodian of the "Lion Head Making" craft registered in Taichung City, passed away recently at the age of 76. The departure of this master, who dedicated his life to Taiwan’s folk arts, has caused profound grief among his family and the local cultural community, marking the loss of another pivotal, national-treasure-level figure in the realm of traditional craftsmanship. Upon learning of the sad news, Culture Minister Li Yuan expressed deep condolences and regret, instructing relevant units to provide full assistance to the family in handling subsequent matters. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture will present a commendation certificate to recognize Chen’s outstanding contributions to the preservation of intangible cultural assets and the transmission of technical skills throughout his life.

Chen’s lifelong commitment to the craft of lion head making serves as a historical witness to the rise and fall of temple fair culture and folk craftsmanship in Taiwan. Lion head making is not merely a matter of woodworking or carving; it is a sophisticated integration of paper crafting, clay modeling, painting, and embroidery. It is the indispensable soul of Taiwan’s traditional parade culture. From the early rural practices of pilgrimage and deity welcoming festivals to later folk skill competitions, every lifelike and majestic lion head was brought to life by the hands of skilled artisans. For decades, Chen worked diligently in his studio, using chisels, brushes, and paints to carve out the unique face of Taiwan’s common people’s culture. His works possess not only significant artistic value but also carry rich historical memories and local sentiments.

To ensure this precious traditional skill would not be lost, the Taichung City Government had previously officially registered "Lion Head Making" as a traditional craft and designated Chen Ming-hong as its custodian. This official certification represented not only the highest affirmation of his personal skills but also established his significant position in Taiwan’s craft history. After being registered as a custodian, Chen became even more actively engaged in the work of transmission. He participated in interview recordings, produced video archives, and personally mentored younger generations and those aspiring to learn traditional crafts. He understood that if traditional skills were merely enshrined in museums, they would lose their vitality. Only through practical hands-on operation and intergenerational transmission could the art of lion head making continue to breathe in contemporary society. His studio often served as a key hub for local cultural exchange, visited by many folklore scholars and art enthusiasts seeking guidance. He always shared his lifelong expertise without reservation.

Chen Ming-hong’s passing has triggered deep reflection within the cultural community regarding the current state of traditional craft preservation in Taiwan. With changing times, the rise of modern entertainment, and the impact of cheap mass-produced goods, many traditional skills reliant on manual labor face severe survival challenges. Lion head making is time-consuming and labor-intensive. From material selection, shaping, paper pasting, soil application, and base coating to the final complex painting, every step requires extreme concentration and accumulated experience. The younger generation often hesitates to enter the field due to the long learning curve and unstable income. Chen’s departure highlights the reality of the gradual decline of these folk craft masters and once again sounds the alarm for the transmission of intangible cultural assets. Establishing more comprehensive award and assistance mechanisms, attracting more young talent, and finding a new positioning for traditional crafts in modern living spaces are serious challenges that both the government and the private sector must face together.

The Ministry of Culture’s decision to present a commendation certificate is not only a mark of profound respect for Chen Ming-hong’s lifelong dedication but also an effort to raise public awareness and respect for traditional craft custodians. These custodians are often the behind-the-scenes drivers of Taiwan’s culture, spending their lifetimes guarding the cultural treasures left by their ancestors. Their spirit is deeply moving. Although Chen Ming-hong has left us, every lion head he crafted and every technique he taught have become woven into the cultural texture of Taiwan’s land. As his works are exhibited in various places or continue to appear majestically in parades, this master’s spirit will transform into an eternal cultural spark, continuing to light the path forward for Taiwan’s traditional crafts.

(Source: CNA)