Craft

1986

Length:23.2 x Width:65.2 x Height:7.4 (cm)

Chen Chun-Ming (1941-2024, Taichung, Taiwan) studied woodcarving at a young age under his father, Chen Cheng-Chi, specializing in the decorative woodwork of traditional temple architecture. Over time, he extended these techniques beyond architectural ornamentation, incorporating materials such as bamboo, ceramics, and teapots into his work, developing a creative practice centered on ornamental and display pieces. Since the late 1970s, his works have been exhibited internationally under government programs promoting Chinese culture, establishing his reputation abroad. In 1981, he received the National Award for Arts.
Chen inherited the traditional craft of fine woodwork (xiao muzuo), focusing on subjects such as flowers and birds, landscapes, historical narratives, and religious figures. His carvings are noted for their refined elegance and technical mastery. Longevity Bird is carved from split bamboo using an openwork technique. Curving plum branches form the overall composition, with two long-tailed birds perched at the center, one with its head lowered and the other with its head raised. Based on the title, the birds are likely a type of paradise flycatcher (shoudai niao), traditionally regarded as an auspicious omen. The plum blossoms carry their own symbolic associations of purity, resilience, and steadfastness in the face of frost. Together, these elements form a classic motif of good fortune in traditional art. The design for this piece was based on an original painting by Weng Wen-Wei (1918-2014).

Accession number:20170300071