Taiwan Today

Wood carvings are among the most common Taiwan handicrafts. Chinese figures lean toward Buddhas and gods and goddesses, especially those in charge of mercy and longevity. Fishermen are another favorite subject. Aborigine art of the island is largely devoted to the human figure as expressed mostly in planes and straight lines. Materials include not only the familiar Taiwan woods of camphor and cypress and hemlock but also bamboo, which is really a grass. The angel and patriarch are carved in bamboo. Carvings made in the form of book-ends are popular with tourists. Prices of smaller carvings range as low as US 50 cents.

Straw and other fibers of Taiwan are made into a variety of handicrafts: handbags, hats, cigarette cases, and mats of many different kinds. Pineapple-shaped lampshades made of natural fiber are exported to the United States. One handicraft company gives employment to mental patients in weaving attractive wall papers from straw and other fibers. Hat bodies are an increasingly important item of export.

Taiwan has a sizable snake population, some members of which are poisonous. This need not concern tourists. Snakes are found only in the mountains and parts of the countryside where few visitors are likely to go. Demand for snakeskin has helped keep numbers of the reptiles under control. Skins are made into handbags, clutch purses, belts and other articles. Souvenir purchasers are especially pleased by the price, which is much lower than that for lizard or alligator. Skin can be purchased separately and made into handbags and matching shoes. The cost is less than in Hongkong and the workmanship just as good. Department store buyers from the United States have begun to visit Taiwan in search of handicraft items. Many small orders have been placed. However, the nature of handicrafts militates against mass production. The best place to buy such items continues to be the shops of Taiwan.

Marble is quarried on Taiwan's scenic east coast. Deposits are large enough for use in construction and some has been exported. However, the principal use of marble has been in handicrafts: vases, plates, bowls, ash trays, drum stools, and other objects. Taiwan marble is of green, gray, and black hues. Prices are well under those for Italian and other more famous marbles. On the east coast between Suao and Hualien, a highway tunnels through some of the island's marble deposits. Nearby are the marble formations of Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan's top tourist attractions. Commercial exploitation of marble was begun only a few years ago.

Drums are good decorator items as well as musical instruments. Taiwan has all sizes. The design is authentic. For shoppers who want small, easily carried souvenirs, Chinese caps and embroidered or beaded slippers are perfect. Slippers of the embroidered variety come in men's as well as women's sizes.

Palace lanterns are made in sizes large enough to light a palace and also in small replicas wired for use as a night light or decoration. Christmas light sets with lantern shape are becoming good sellers in America. The lamp design is authentic.