Li Zhiqian Clogs

Introduction

The shape and appearance of Wooden Clogs and Grass Sandals are very similar. The difference is in their soles. The soles of wooden clogs feature tooth like protrusions which are the only two contact points with the ground. In addition for those without the protrusions, the sole is very big and heavy, and is made of wood. Hence the name "wooden clogs".

Origin

Clogs originated in China. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Jin Wengong spent 19 years in exile. A man named Jie Zidui was so kind to him that he even cut off his thighs to satisfy his hunger when he was too hungry. Later, when Jin Wengong returned to the country and took power, he sent someone to reward this benefactor. Jie Zidui was unwilling to accept the reward, so he hid in the mountains with his mother. In order to get the benefactor out of the mountain, Jin Wengong mistakenly believed in the villain and sent someone to burn the mountain, but he never wanted to burn the meson to death by a tree. Wengong deplored it very much and used this tree to make wooden clogs as a souvenir. Usually, he always looks at the clogs on his feet and calls: "Sad, step!"

History

The wooden clogs from the prosperity of the development to the decline and decline, also tell the story of Luzhou's local history and economic development. During the period of Taiwan’s recovery in Luzhou, more than 70 clogs dealers opened stores on Zhongshan 2nd Road, making this road a famous "Clog Street". In Taipei County and City alone, Luzhou clogs stores sold more than 10,000 pairs a day. Many of the clogs in other counties and cities are purchased from Luzhou. Luzhou was once an important clogs production area. There were hundreds of clogs shops in its heyday, but the emergence of plastic slippers led to the decline of the handicraft industry. The last clogs shops ceased business 10 years ago. The third generation Li Youliang has lost his hundred years of skills and regained his carving knife production. Creative clogs, hope that more young people can join, so that the old industry can have innovative development. 50-year-old Li Youliang said: The Luzhou clogs industry has risen since the Japanese occupation, and now Zhongshan 2nd Road is even the "Clog Street". In its heyday, nearly a hundred craftsmen opened here and produced tens of thousands of pairs of clogs every month. "Hexing Wooden Clogs" run by his father Li Zhiqian is an important large-scale marketer. In addition to supplying the needs of Taiwanese, they are also exported to Southeast Asia and Japan. "Any pair of clogs is a "Luzhou" brand."

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