Kaohsiung eatery boosts interest in folk culture

2014-12-12

A restaurant recently opened in Kaohsiung City is fostering greater public interest in local cultural assets and preserving historic relics.

The Pao Wu Eatery has as its decor more than 1,000 antiques and curios such as movie posters, glove puppets and traditional toys. Proprietor Chen Han-chien said the restaurant has come to the attention of many locals looking for grassroots culture and tasty dishes.

As many customers have asked Chen why he opened such a unique establishment, he said it is a realization of his dream to enhance people’s understanding of Taiwan’s folk culture. “History is fading away as urban development progresses. It is important to take steps to protect it.”

According to Chen, he was hooked by the beauty of historic treasures while working as a theater manager 25 years ago. He spent his holidays and weekends visiting abandoned houses in agricultural villages across Taiwan to enlarge his collection.

Since traders had already purchased most of what could be found in those villages, he then turned to second-hand markets. His collectibles, over 20,000 in number, are housed in six warehouses.

Some of his favorite pieces are glove puppets hand-made by traditional artisans, Chen said. His figurines, over 100 in total, are the epitome of elegance and exquisiteness. Every one of them could retail at NT$30,000 (US$971) in the marketplace. “Patrons can appreciate their charms and recall childhood memories of watching puppet shows.”

Also noteworthy are more than 200 powder kegs the collector obtained eight years ago from workers renovating Fort Zeelandia, also known as Anping Fort, in Tainan City.

The kegs were used by Cheng Cheng-kung, also known as Koxinga, during his combat with Dutch forces. “I exhibit these because they represent a crucial part of the country’s history that must not be forgotten.”

The folk aficionado’s passion is driving him to reach out to younger people. Chen said he is writing a book on his collection and plans to author more for the benefit of local students.

“I hope my publications will enter school libraries and serve as a reference on Taiwan’s storied past. Anyone wanting to learn more would be welcome to visit my restaurant and see the pieces in person,” Chen said.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=225084&CtNode=413)