Pasted - Paper Sculpture, the traditional Taiwanese craft

• Main Authors: Bi-Huei Wu, 吳碧惠
• Other Authors: 江韶瑩
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2005
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/56727990282183694724

碩士 === 國立臺北藝術大學 === 傳統藝術研究所工藝美術組 === 93 === Taiwanese religion consists of ancestor and god worship, and awe of ghosts. People believe ancestors and ghosts dwell upon the earth and, along with gods, can work weal and woe. So, Taiwanese perform ceremonies and make many paper objects and food to ask for blessings from heaven and to escape celestial punishments and earthly disasters. Paper-sculpture is an instrument for ceremonies and rites. In this paper we will discuss its meanings and the relation between object and function. We will consider the influence of literary classics, geomancy, mythology, and legend, and analyze paper objects’effects on religions and culture. Research target is the Han culture in Taiwan. Our process is first to review literature. Next is fieldwork, and collection of original sources. Finally by case study and comparison, we can appreciate paper sculptures artistic，stylistic and cultural value. We will also examine the present day use and status of paper sculpture in Taiwan. We will consider four respects. 1. Paper-sculpture craft: its materials, methods, work process, techniques, and the current status of paper sculpture. 2. Meanings of paper objects：Use in ceremonies and rites, social function, and occasions for use. 3. Craftsmen：apprenticeship, mastery of techniques and skills. 4. Paper-sculpture industry：suppliers, craftsmen, paper sculpture retail, Taoist priests, funeral service companies and their interrelationship. Paper-sculpture folkcraft is disappearing. Paper objects are burned, modes of life changes, and environmental concerns hamper production. Today price takes precedence over quality and new products are usually inferior. Many craftsmen cannot continue and their techniques get lost. When elder craftsmen dies, then this craft, too, will die out. We try to determine what needs to be kept and how to preserve this art in our conclusion.