Draft:Li Songlin

Li Songlin (January 28, 1907 – July 13, 1998), also known as Master Songlin, was born in Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan. He was a master woodcarver specializing in traditional Taiwanese folk art. Throughout his life, Li Songlin dedicated himself to the craft of traditional temple woodcarving in Taiwan. He was also invited to create Western religious-themed ceremonial utensils for churches across Taiwan. In his later years, he shifted towards artistic creation and nurtured young artists, contributing significantly to the preservation and inheritance of Taiwan's woodcarving traditions. In 1985, he was awarded the inaugural "National Folk Art Heritage Award," and in 1989, he was recognized as an "Important Master of National Folk Art" by the Ministry of Education.

Life

Li Songlin was born into a family of woodcarvers. His great-grandfather, Li Kejio, was invited to participate in the restoration of the Longshan Temple in Lukang during the Daoguang reign of Qing Dynasty (1829-1831). Originally from Yongchun, Fujian Province, he immigrated to Taiwan and settled in Lukang. Influenced by the family's traditional craftsmanship, Li Songlin began learning woodcarving at the age of 12 under his second uncle, Li Shishun. By the age of 14, he had already mastered the skills of small woodwork and wood carving. At 16, he participated in the carving and production of furniture for the Gu family in Lukang, marking the beginning of his career as an artist. At the age of 18, Li Songlin, together with his cousin Li Huanmei, led the woodcarving work at the Lukang Mazu Temple as "master craftsmen" for four consecutive years, establishing his reputation in Taiwan's woodcarving community.

Li's woodcarving skills were exquisite and delicate, and he received numerous commissions from temples. He left behind relevant woodcarvings in various temples such as the Funan Temple in Yuanlin, Changhua; the Longshan Temple in Lukang, Changhua; the Aofeng Temple in Yuanchang Township, Yunlin; the Mazu Temple in Tongxiao, Miaoli; the Zushi Temple in Sansia, New Taipei City; the Weiling Temple in Lukang, Changhua; the Xingxiu Temple in South District, Taichung City; the Confucius Temple in Taichung; and the Four Saints Temple in Puyan, Changhua.

As a traditional folk craftsman, Li's woodcarving themes often reflect the aspirations of common people, drawing inspiration from folk operas, novels, and other sources. His works often embody the belief of "meaning brings auspiciousness," serving functions such as praying for peace, seeking good fortune, and promoting social education.

Throughout Li Songlin's woodcarving career, he was also invited to create desks and statues of Jesus Christ for churches across Taiwan. For example, he undertook the creation of special pieces such as the altar and tabernacle for the coronation gift altar of Pope John XXIII presented by Taiwan's Catholic Church, as well as altars and tabernacles for churches including the Wanhua Church in Taipei, the Lukang Church in Changhua, the Xizhou Church in Changhua, altar of Sisters of Sacred Heart of Jesus, altar of Catholic church in Luku, Nantou, and the Stations of the Cross relief sculptures. These commissions not only demonstrated Li's woodcarving skills but also showcased his ability to work on themes beyond traditional Taiwanese folk art. Moreover, they reflected the flourishing development of Catholicism in Taiwan during the 1960s, with church religious artifacts featuring a fusion of traditional Taiwanese and Western decorative designs.

In his later years, particularly after the age of 70, Li gradually transitioned into a pure artist focusing on sculpture. His works mainly consisted of round sculptures, drawing inspiration from traditional artisanal forms passed down through generations. Infused with his personal creativity, his sculptures emphasized realistic human proportions and everyday life interests, shifting from traditional functional practicality to artistic appreciation. This evolution became representative of Li's woodcarving artistic style.Li Songlin passed away in 1998. His works, ranging from traditional temple pieces to Western-style church decorations, including small woodworks, carvings, decorations, and artworks, all reflect his solid craftsmanship and creative ability.

Legacy

In 1985, Li Songlin was honored with the inaugural "National Art Heritage Award" by the Ministry of Education. Subsequently, in 1989, he was further recognized as an "Important National Art Master" by the Ministry of Education. In 1991, he was commissioned by the Changhua County Cultural Center to teach and pass on his carving techniques, thus contributing to the preservation of Li's traditional woodcarving skills. Over the course of three years, from July 1991 to June 1994, four apprentices were enrolled in the program: Huang Chun-yang (1955-), Huang Guo-shu (1958-), Chen Ming-song, and Shi Ming-wang, all of whom dedicated themselves to the preservation of national art heritage. Additionally, Li's youngest son, Li Bing-gui (1949-), took up the family's carving legacy under his father's guidance. Through his mentorship, Li Songlin ensured the continuation of the family's intricate and elaborate woodcarving style, allowing for both apprenticeship and familial inheritance. Li Bing-gui's woodcarving creations blend elements of tradition and innovation, showcasing the inheritance of his father's skills alongside his own personal transformation, thereby infusing his works with a distinct individual style.

References

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