Chinese Name: 劉興澤
Born: 1960
Birthplace: Nantou County (Central Taiwan)
Did You Know That…?
Rich in natural bamboo resources, Jhushan Township (竹山鎮) in Nantou County (南投縣) served as a hub for traditional craft education for bamboo weaving during the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan. With a strong foundation in bamboo weaving techniques, abundant materials, and a steady cultivation of skilled artisans, bamboo craftsmanship in the region developed sustainably.
Born in 1960 in Jhushan Township, Nantou, Liu Hsing-tse grew up watching his father skillfully create bamboo products as he often assisted in the family factory after school. This immersive experience fostered his deep affection for bamboo. After graduating from junior high school, Liu decided to apprentice at a bamboo workshop, where he learned both carpentry and bamboo sculpture.
From 1982 to 1983, Liu studied bamboo craft at the Taiwan Provincial Handicraft Research Institute (now the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, NTCRI) in Caotun Township (草屯鎮), Nantou. After completing his military service, Liu established Kuan Te Bamboo and Wood Boutique (冠德竹木精品社), focusing on exquisite bamboo products made with lathe techniques, such as pen holders, incense holders, and brush rests.
In 1998, Liu studied traditional bamboo weaving under master artisan Huang Tu-shan (黃塗山) at NTCRI. At that time, he mainly produced traditional woven bamboo items, including steaming baskets and furniture. From 2010 to 2013, with support from the Ministry of Culture, master Huang launched a four-year educational program to train the next generation of artisans. Liu was among those selected for this training opportunity. Through this program, Liu became one of Huang’s most outstanding disciples.
With a career spanning over four decades, Liu has become an expert in traditional bamboo weaving techniques. He also incorporates materials such as wood and stainless steel into his work, engaging in a dialogue with modern aesthetics and presenting bamboo art in a new light. Liu’s artistry is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, precision in proportions, and an unwavering commitment to visual harmony. These elements coalesce to transform traditional bamboo art into striking new forms with enhanced structural integrity.
In recent years, Liu has shifted his focus from mere technical execution to a profound exploration of artistic essence. By innovating in form and modeling, he draws inspiration from nature and everyday life, infusing his work with vibrant imagination.
Liu entered his first competition in 2004, winning an Honorable Mention in the Nantou Innovative Product Design Competition. In 2008, he received an award in the Craft Category at the 9th Changhua County Huang Si Art Exhibition (磺溪美展). The following year, he won Second Prize in the Craft Category at the Taichung Da Dun Fine Arts Exhibition. From 2009 to 2011, he received consecutive Honorable Mentions in the Taiwan Craft Competition. In August 2020, Liu was officially recognized by the Nantou County Government as a Preserver of Bamboo Weaving Craft.