Miniature art, ancient craftsmanship – Passing on a century-old tradition

Tainan is a city full of history and culture, but with the advancement of science and technology, many traditional old techniques have gradually disappeared in the sands of time. However, in the North Lane of the West Central District in Tainan City, there lives a person called “North Lane Carving Hand,” aka Old Uncle De. A self-taught artisan who strongly upholds the spirit of “You’re never too old to learn,” he has created his own unique world of woodcarving.

“Those in the know should traverse the alleys, for many special designs lie within the warehouse!” Grandpa De's creative work helps people experience a taste of the past and forces us to ponder the gradual decline of the culture of creativity. His spirit and philosophy teach us that modern people are not only being gradually deprived of creative skills, but also the spirit of creativity.

(以下為中文對照)

台南是充滿歷史文化的一座城市，但隨著科技的進步與時代的演變，許多傳統的老技藝也隨著時間逐漸消逝。然而在台南市中西區的北巷，有一位人稱「北巷雕手」的老得伯，他無師自通並且秉持著活到老學到老的精神，打造了屬於自己的木雕世界。

「內行人要行巷仔內，很多機關藏在倉庫內！」以此為理念的老得伯藉由他的作品讓我們一同感受古早時期的趣味，也讓我們去省思創作文化逐漸式微的感慨。因為他的精神與理念，讓我們了解到現代人逐漸缺失的不只是老技藝的傳承，更是創作當中的靈魂。