|
|
Little reporters Big Search—Interview
with Master Jin-shu Chen
|
|
|
|
 Do you know the origin of holy palanquins?
|
|
It may have evolved from bridal palanquins
|
|
 What are the different types of holy palanquins?
|
|
Holy palanquins were grouped into wen palanquins and wu palanquins.
|
|
 Since the beginning how much had holy palanquins
changed?
|
|
The changes in the style of holy palanquins depend mainly on the demands
of the customers.
|
|
 Since when did the Chen Clan start making holy
palanquins?
|
|
Between 1968 and 1969.
|
|
 At what age did you start making holy palanquins? How
long did it take you to become a master from being an apprentice?
|
|
I started making holy palanquins at the age of 27 or 28. It took me 3
years and 4 months to become a master. However, there were some who started
making their own holy palanquin before the 3 years and 4 months were up. These
were what we called half masters.
|
|
 What were your most memorable moments when making holy
palanquins?
|
|
My most memorable moment about holy palanquin making is that it’s a lot
of hard work. You need to devote your time, heart and soul into this
profession.
|
|
 How long does it take to make a holy palanquin?
|
|
If you make it by hand it would take at least a month,
and by machine over ten days
|
|
 What are the difference in time and level of
difficulties when making big and small holy palanquins?
|
|
No matter the size, both holy palanquins require the
same amount of time to make.
|
|
 When making holy palanquins did you meet any
difficulties? How did you overcome the problem? Material shortage? Unacceptable
work? Palanquin storage?
|
|
There aren’t any difficulties, only carvings such as “cha hua” and
hole-drilling is more difficult. If we
make a mistake with the carving all we have to do is ask the carving masters to
carve it all over again. That’s all.
|
|
 What were the patterns mostly used on the holy
palanquins?
|
|
In the past we used patterns from the story of ba xian, but now we use
folklores such as “Legend of Three Kingdoms”, “Investiture of the Gods” and …
|
|
 How did you get the timber for making holy palanquins?
|
|
We purchase from timber merchants. The origins of the woods are
different.
|
|
 What are some restrictions to holy palanquin making?
|
|
There aren’t any restrictions. If the buyer has restrictions then a
restriction is formed.
|
|
 To make a holy palanquin from scratch. How did you
meet your customer’s demands? Did you draw a design draft?
|
|
To make a holy palanquin from scratch, we must find
out the type of palanquin the customer wants. A design draft must be drawn.
This way there won’t be any complications.
|
|
 Having worked so long in your profession, what were
the downfalls? Occupational injuries? Problem passing down the craft?)
|
|
When
making holy palanquins the most difficult part about it is the carving. Since
we have to carve out many patterns and the handwork must be extremely
exquisite, it’s very difficult. Also, while carving we would sometimes cut our
fingers. However, I thought little of it. As long as we can make the finest
holy palanquins, the work and effort is all worth it.
|
|
 May I ask whether you’ve ever thought about having
your own children entering the profession?
|
|
Yes! Both of my two sons are in this profession. My
grandson is still in school. Of course, it would depend on whether they are
interested in this profession. Nonetheless, I still hope that my descendants
can carry on the profession.
|
|
 Mr. Chen, what are your thoughts about the passing on
of the craft of holy palanquin making and are there any innovations in the
craft?
|
|
Now both of my two sons have their own holy palanquin factory. As with
my grandchildren, it would depend on what they think.
In
terms of innovations, holy palanquins made now are more and more exquisite. The
demands of the customers are met. Furthermore, technology improves
continuously. It’s quite different from the traditional methods.
|
|
 Mr. Chen, how would you like to carry forward this
craft?
|
|
The holy palanquin business is very unique. Only temples would order
them. Others would only see it as an art craft. It has its restrictions.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Team members interviewing Mr Jin-shu Chen
|
Team members taking turns tasking questions
|
Team members concentrating on taking notes
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Carving master disassembling the holy palanquin
|
Masters assembling the holy palanquin after disassembling it.
|
Master carving patterns on the window
|
|
|
