Taiwan Today

Taiwan's famed "betel nut beauties" have made the leap to fine art. The "Old Tree Magic Woodcarving Studio" in Taichung is using this iconic Taiwanese figure as a motif in creating unique works of art. A number of five-star hotels have purchased the wooden statues, and they are a favorite of tourists from abroad. "Old Tree" owner Chiang Ming-wei says that he has made wooden articles for over twenty years, and that such works are a hallmark of Taiwan, but in recent years most of the woodcarving business has moved overseas. Chiang says that he keeps to his Taiwanese "roots," so instead of going overseas, he converted his workshop into a teaching studio three years ago, and has received guidance from the Ministry of Economic Affairs about developing the studio as cultural tourism. In addition to the workshop, Chiang also develops new products that uniquely represent Taiwan, like his series of carvings of Aboriginal ceremonies, Chinese opera and local deities. His latest designs are of the lovely young women who sell betel nuts. Some may feel that such a subject is not suitable for "art," but Chiang loves it as an aspect of Taiwanese culture. He has created two characters and even named each one, and is now ready to mass produce the designs. Chiang never thought the sculptures would catch on, and even thougt some might object, but everyone from foreign tourists to a professor of design has high praise for his works.