Rush weaving is among the special handicrafts of Dajia district. During the Japanese colonial period, there was a Dajia Cap Weaving Corporation and special schools to teach these techniques and after World War II this craft became one of Taiwan’s strongest export industries.
Juncaceae rushes are also known as “Dajia yuan lin” and belong to the cyperaceae family. The leaves are short and the leaf sheaths are long, about 1.5 centimeters in length. The stems, triangular-shaped and hollow inside, are also known as “triangle lin”. This kind of rush grows all over Taiwan, although the Dajia variety offers better quality. After drying under the sun, the remaining rushes are woven into hats or mats. The resulting products are hygroscopic, deodorizing and aromatic, making them popular as gifts during the Japanese colonial period.
Traditional straw techniques include pressing and picking flowers. In recent years, a new skill featuring three-dimensional techniques has emerged and been used to make hats, mats or seats. Moreover, the product range has expanded to include light covers, cup lids, teapots, tea cups and animals. Slowly, such products have been gradually transformed from functional daily-use accessories into decorative art pieces.
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Updated:2023-05-26