Chinese Name: 盧靖枝
Born: 1945
Died: Sept. 11, 2023
Birthplace: Guanmiao District, Tainan City (Southern Taiwan)
Did You Know That…?
Lu Ching-jhih was recognized by the Tainan City Government as the preserver of bamboo and rattan weaving techniques in 2010.
Lu Ching-jhih was born in Guanmiao District (關廟區), Tainan City, in 1945. From the Japanese rule until the 1960s, bamboo weaving was widely practiced in Guanmiao, often as a family business. Under her parents’ guidance, Lu began learning bamboo weaving at a young age and continued to focus on it after graduating from elementary school. Although she never received formal training, she educated herself by building a strong foundation and exploring various weaving techniques and bamboo properties. Her talent and dedication eventually earned her nationwide recognition as a prominent bamboo weaver.
As the bamboo weaving industry in Guanmiao declined in the 1970s, weavers refined their craft and created artistic innovations. Lu distinguished herself by winning several awards and gaining recognition at exhibitions. By the 1980s, the bamboo weaving industry nationwide faced increasing risks. In response, Lu focused on promoting the craft through education, teaching in Tainan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi. Her work was showcased at cultural centers both locally and in Japan. Her pieces, “Lucky Stars (福星高照)” and “Century Wisdom Basket (玲瓏慧籃),” won Traditional Crafts Awards from the Preparatory Office of the National Center for Traditional Arts in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Lu’s career as a weaver spans half a century, during which she has experienced the ups and downs of the bamboo weaving industry. She persisted by transforming traditional tools into creative products and elevating them as collectibles. Lu has never ceased to innovate, developing over two thousand types of creative bamboo pieces. She was renowned for her delicate and varied works often featuring cultural and folk symbols.
Lu was active as an educator and promoter in her later years. In 2022, she was featured in bamboo art exhibitions organized by the Tainan Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage, where she shared her experiences and creations. Having fully devoted herself to the craft, she is a prime example of Taiwan’s traditional bamboo and rattan weaving.