Chinese Name: 陳振芳
Born: 1968
Birthplace: Hsinchu City (Northern Taiwan)
Did You Know That…?
At the age of 18, Chen Chen-fang began studying Chinese painting under the guidance of painter Chu Chin-cheng (朱錦城) to improve his skills in shell inlay, pursuing this interest after work. After completing his military service, Chen expanded his creative repertoire by learning printmaking and, at 26, began studying lacquer painting with Lai Tso-ming (賴作明), further deepening his artistic expertise.
Shell inlay, also known as raden (螺鈿), is a traditional craft that originated in ancient China, as evidenced by archaeological findings on Shang Dynasty lacquerware, a civilization that thrived over three millennia ago. This exquisite art form demands long hours of meticulous work to complete a single piece. During the 1950s and 1960s, Taiwan’s shell inlay craft was integrated into high-end wood furniture production, leading the industry to its peak. The production center was located on Nanda Road (南大路) and Dongda Road (東大路) in Hsinchu City.
Born and raised in the Hsinchu Harbor area, Chen grew up in a fishing family. His father, a fisherman familiar with the challenges of the trade, advised Chen against following in his footsteps. During that time, the production of furniture with shell inlay was flourishing, and two of Chen’s uncles capitalized on the trend by running a successful furniture factory. Their focus on shell inlay craftsmanship proved highly profitable, paving a new path for Chen.
At the age of 14, Chen began working at his uncles’ factory during summer and winter school breaks. By 1984, at just 16, he became an apprentice, dedicating himself to mastering the art of shell inlay.
However, as the furniture industry in Hsinchu began relocating overseas due to cheaper labor costs in China, the craftsmen either followed the industry’s migration or shifted to different career paths. Remaining devoted to shell inlay, Chen redirected his efforts toward making Buddhist artifacts. Innovating within the tradition, he integrated other art forms such as prints and lacquer into shell inlay, elevating the craft to new artistic heights.
Chen’s creative journey initially focused on graphical work, but six months after studying lacquer art, he began incorporating lacquer into pottery to create three-dimensional artworks. Breaking free from the constraints of traditional lacquer techniques, his creations blend painting and shell inlay, enabling the themes and messages of his work to be conveyed directly to viewers.
Amid the decline of the industry and the dwindling number of shell inlay craftsmen, Chen has also committed himself to revitalizing the art form. He noted that in earlier times, people desired highly ornate furniture, which made shell inlay popular and provided apprentices with ample opportunities to hone their skills. However, with the industry downturn, the craft now faces significant challenges in gaining renewed recognition.
Although shell inlay art is no longer popular, Chen strives to achieve new breakthroughs in the craft by drawing on his decade-long expertise in painting and lacquer. His efforts aim to redefine the tradition, making it more accessible and allowing more people to appreciate its beauty. In 2023, shell inlay was officially recognized by the Hsinchu County Government as an important traditional craft, with Chen honored as a preserver of the art.
(Photo credit: The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Hsinchu County Government)