The Clan of the Holy Palanquin

     In Taiwan’s early development, there were the first Fu, second Lu, and third Monga. Due to the fact that Lukang township of Changhua county had the convenience of a harbor, it became the main trading post between Taiwan and mainland China. Shops stood along the two sides of street. There were many Buddhist woodcraft shops and holy palanquin carving shops. The two main reasons for this are; firstly, Lukang township was Taiwan’s main economy and trade harbor, and the variety of import and export goods were tremendous, and at the time the Chen clan stored a large quantity of hinoki; a wood which became a crucial material to the making of holy palanquins and Buddhist woodcrafts; secondly, the famous Matzu temple is in Lukang, and it is the center of the religious belief. There were countless believers who come to pay their pilgrimage. Therefore, the demands for Buddhist woodcraft increase and the industry flourished. With this reason most members of the Chen Clan joined the Buddhist woodcraft and holy palanquin making profession. In fact,the descendants and apprentices of the Chen Clan each established their own Buddhist woodcraft shops throughout Lukang, and Fuhsing township. Lukang township became well-known for their Buddhist woodcrafts.

      The Chen Clan first started as ancestral shrine makers. However, due to the demands of the public, they learned to make various Buddhist woodcrafts. In the 70’s the Taiwanese people were infatuated with religious faith, and the demands for holy palanquins increased. Many believers hope to carry their god and go on pilgrimage parades, which made the art of holy palanquin making a popular industry of the time. The holy palanquin business boomed over time, and the Chen clan in the hope to expand their exhibiting and working area decided to move to Fuhsing township; a place where all must pass to get to Lukang. The Chen Clan established several holy palanquin design shops. On the other hand, the once busy Buddhist woodwork shops were no longer popular. Through the change of time, the once hundreds of Buddhist woodwork shops gradually close down. Only a few of the bigger shops stayed in business. 

       Before the Chen Clan transferred to the holy palanquin making business, they had already stored a tremendous supply of Hinoki, and this gave them a business advantage. Furthermore, although there was competition between the clan members, there was no hard feeling. Because of this they made the business Lukang holy palanquin known throughout Taiwan. Now, the Chen Clan has nine carving shops between Lukang and Fuhsing township.