Sanyi is located at the southernmost tip of Miaoli. It has high terrain, many mountains, and few fields. The soil is acidic clay, which is very suitable for the growth of tea trees and camphor trees. The roots of camphor wood are shallow and wide, making them easy targets for termite nests. Although termites are small in size, long-term beetle erosion makes camphor wood gradually form works of art with natural beauty. Camphor wood carries a captivating and fragrant aroma, making it highly favored. With just a slight polish, camphor wood can become a natural and beautiful screen or various indoor decorative artworks. In such an environment, Sanyi has become synonymous with the art of wood carving.
During the Japanese colonial period, Sanyi Township in Miaoli County started to gain prominence with the discovery of camphor wood. Refined and processed into a premium material for ornaments and furniture, it spurred the wood carving industry's flourishing development. Despite facing a downturn during World War II, Sanyi wood carving regained momentum post-Taiwan's liberation, notably with large-scale U.S. military purchases. The trade evolved from family sidelines to small factories and businesses.
The 1966-1974 period marked Sanyi wood carving's golden age, mainly selling to Japan and from Japan to the whole world. However, the economic crises in 1975 and Taiwan's 1978 UN withdrawal impacted the industry. In 1996, government support led to local industry upgrades, and the Sanyi Wood Carving Museum's establishment attracted artisans, shaping a unique wood carving street. Today, woodcarvers navigate artistic trends and market challenges, striving for individual creativity and hoping to pioneer new horizons in wood carving art.
Selecting Materials :
Beginners should choose softer woods, such as birch, catalpa, pine, and willow.
Taking Safety Precautions :
Ensure the tools remain sharp, wear gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask.
Designing the Outline :
Before starting the carving, sketch out the design on the wood using a pencil.
Carving :
Begin the carving process.