The officialdom Baozhen Shen(沈葆楨) ordered artists to draw cultures and lifestyles of the Taiwanese aborigines in 1875. These drawings were bound into one volume and presented to the Kuang-hsu Emperor (光緒帝) and his chancellors in the same year. Digitized images of this volume are displayed in the exhibition section of Baozhen Shen(沈葆楨). Moreover, a newly published book titled “Illustrations of Aborigines in Late Qing Taiwan” has detailed descriptions and examinations of these paintings, which is available on the reference shelves at the exhibition.

Baozhen Shen (沈葆楨) section

During the Japanese-ruled period, Chenpo Chen (陳澄波) was the first Taiwanese oil painter to have his oil painting of “Beyond the Streets of Chia-yi Street” (嘉義の町はづれ;嘉義街外) displayed at the Japanese Imperial Art Exhibition. Through his paintings, Chen recorded his life journey in Taiwan, Japan, and China. His work reveals his passion for art and his determination to challenge himself by pursuing different painting techniques.

Chenpo Chen (陳澄波) section

Drawings of personal memories and of official inspection tours are testimonies of Taiwanese history. We are inviting you write down your thoughts and feedbacks after having visited the Baozhen Shen (沈葆楨) and Chenpo Chen (陳澄波) section. We will select two participants and give away a copy of the newly published “Illustrations of Aborigines in Late Qing Taiwan” (in hardback) or Chen Chen-Po Corpus -Volume 2-Characoal Sketch, Watercolor, Glue Color, Ink Wash Painting, Calligraphy (in hardback).

Illustrations of Aborigines in Late Qing Taiwan

Chen Chen-Po Corpus -Volume 2

This special event will last until the end of November. You can either post your comments on FB or write them down on slips prepared at the exhibition hall. Don’t miss this opportunity! (For further information please visit “Memory” on our web site.)