Hsiao Tsai-kan was born in 1927 in Hsinchu City. From a young age, he enjoyed working with various toys and craft items. With a special keenness for images, Hsiao was able to create lanterns without needing to draw actual sketches. He would construct the lantern’s frame, outline the overall shape, and complete the lantern.
The Snake Kiln was introduced to Taiwan by Minnan immigrants during the early part of the imperial Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Although the name conjures up the image of a twisting snake, Snake Kilns are long and straight, without separation in the center, and usually built into the slopes of hills.