Artisan Lin Zhen-nao's Half-Century of 'Zhuangfo' Life Achieves Tainan's Craft Development History
A specialized book, 'Carving the Sacred, Depicting the Human,' records the half-century journey of artisan Lin Zhen-nao, who comes from a 'Zhuangfo' (Buddha statue decoration) family in Tainan. He began this craft at age 15 and became the first Fuzhou school artisan registered as a 'Zhuangfo' craft preserver under Taiwan's Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, contributing significantly to the development history of Tainan's 'Zhuangfo' craft.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 13:23
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chiu Tsu-yin, Taipei, 13th) Artisan Lin Zhen-nao, who hails from a 'Zhuangfo' (Buddha statue decoration) family in Tainan, embarked on this craft, which combines faith and the pinnacle of artistry, at the age of 15. His specialized book, 'Carving the Sacred, Depicting the Human,' records his half-century journey of transmission and also constitutes a history of the development of 'Zhuangfo' craft in Tainan.
According to new book information released by Shih Hsing Culture, Lin Zhen-nao is the third-generation inheritor of Tainan's century-old 'Zhuangfo' family, 'Ren Le Xuan.' In 2014, he was registered as a preserver of 'Zhuangfo' craft, becoming the first Fuzhou school artisan to be registered as a traditional craft 'Zhuangfo' preserver since Taiwan's 'Cultural Heritage Preservation Act' was promulgated and implemented.
The new book information points out that Lin Zhen-nao, since entering the craft at 15, has upheld the belief that 'Zhuangfo is the technical work of completing an artistic masterpiece,' carving the sacred into wood and entrusting human emotions into the sculptures.
The book was researched and written by Professor Pan Liang-wen of the Department of Art History at National Tainan University of the Arts, and edited by writer Chiu Mu-rong. It leads readers into Lin Zhen-nao's life story, tracing the lineage of the century-old 'Ren Le Xuan' family, and explores the deep roots of Fuzhou school 'Zhuangfo' craft in Taiwan through field interviews, image records, and process descriptions.
The entire book is divided into four chapters: 'Deities Crossing the Ocean' explores the origins and characteristics of Tainan's 'Zhuangfo' craft and the inheritance of 'Ren Le Xuan' and the Lin family; 'A Life Alongside Deities' records Lin Zhen-nao's process of inheriting techniques; 'Concentrating the Spirit to Cast the Sacred' delves into the stylistic changes of the Fuzhou school learned by Lin Zhen-nao, the tools and materials for 'Zhuangfo,' and the 12 steps of 'Zhuangfo.'
'Deities in the Human World' portrays Lin Zhen-nao's unique 'Zhuangfo' style, and how he uses new media, imbues Buddha statues with humanized postures, and creates dynamic scenes. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150513
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(Central News Agency reporter Chiu Tsu-yin, Taipei, 13th) Artisan Lin Zhen-nao, who hails from a 'Zhuangfo' (Buddha statue decoration) family in Tainan, embarked on this craft, which combines faith and the pinnacle of artistry, at the age of 15. His specialized book, 'Carving the Sacred, Depicting the Human,' records his half-century journey of transmission and also constitutes a history of the development of 'Zhuangfo' craft in Tainan.
According to new book information released by Shih Hsing Culture, Lin Zhen-nao is the third-generation inheritor of Tainan's century-old 'Zhuangfo' family, 'Ren Le Xuan.' In 2014, he was registered as a preserver of 'Zhuangfo' craft, becoming the first Fuzhou school artisan to be registered as a traditional craft 'Zhuangfo' preserver since Taiwan's 'Cultural Heritage Preservation Act' was promulgated and implemented.
The new book information points out that Lin Zhen-nao, since entering the craft at 15, has upheld the belief that 'Zhuangfo is the technical work of completing an artistic masterpiece,' carving the sacred into wood and entrusting human emotions into the sculptures.
The book was researched and written by Professor Pan Liang-wen of the Department of Art History at National Tainan University of the Arts, and edited by writer Chiu Mu-rong. It leads readers into Lin Zhen-nao's life story, tracing the lineage of the century-old 'Ren Le Xuan' family, and explores the deep roots of Fuzhou school 'Zhuangfo' craft in Taiwan through field interviews, image records, and process descriptions.
The entire book is divided into four chapters: 'Deities Crossing the Ocean' explores the origins and characteristics of Tainan's 'Zhuangfo' craft and the inheritance of 'Ren Le Xuan' and the Lin family; 'A Life Alongside Deities' records Lin Zhen-nao's process of inheriting techniques; 'Concentrating the Spirit to Cast the Sacred' delves into the stylistic changes of the Fuzhou school learned by Lin Zhen-nao, the tools and materials for 'Zhuangfo,' and the 12 steps of 'Zhuangfo.'
'Deities in the Human World' portrays Lin Zhen-nao's unique 'Zhuangfo' style, and how he uses new media, imbues Buddha statues with humanized postures, and creates dynamic scenes. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150513
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.