Artisan Lin Zhen-nao's Half-Century in Deity Sculpting and Painting Life Achieves Tainan's Craft Development History

(Central News Agency reporter Chiu Tsu-yin, Taipei 13th) Artisan Lin Zhen-nao, from the 'Zhuangfo' (deity sculpting and painting) family in Tainan, dedicated himself to this ultimate craft combining faith and artistry at the age of 15. The specialized book "Carving the Sacred, Depicting the Human" records his half-century journey of transmission, also achieving a history of Tainan's Zhuangfo craft development.

According to new book information released by Shih Hsing Culture, Lin Zhen-nao is the third-generation inheritor of 'Renle Xuan,' a century-old Zhuangfo family in Tainan. In 2014, he was registered as a preserver of Zhuangfo craft, becoming the first Fuzhou-style artisan to be registered as a preserver of traditional Zhuangfo craft since the implementation of Taiwan's "Cultural Heritage Preservation Act."

The new book information points out that Lin Zhen-nao, since entering the craft at 15, has upheld the belief that "Zhuangfo is the completion of an artistic work through technical craftsmanship," carving the sacred into wood and entrusting human emotions into his sculptures.

The book was researched and written by Professor Pan Liang-wen of the Department of Art History, National Tainan University of the Arts, and edited by writer Chiu Mu-jung. It leads readers into Lin Zhen-nao's life story, tracing the lineage of the century-old 'Renle Xuan' family, and exploring the deep roots of Fuzhou-style Zhuangfo craft in Taiwan through field interviews, image records, and process descriptions.

The book is divided into four chapters: "Deities Crossing the Ocean" explores the origins and characteristics of Tainan's Zhuangfo craft and the inheritance of 'Renle Xuan' and the Lin family; "A Life with Deities" records Lin Zhen-nao's skill transmission process; "Concentrating on Casting the Sacred" examines the stylistic changes of the Fuzhou school learned by Lin Zhen-nao, the tools and materials for Zhuangfo, and the 12 steps of Zhuangfo craft.

"Deities Resembling Humans" depicts Lin Zhen-nao's unique Zhuangfo style, and how he uses new media and imbues statues with human-like postures, and manages dynamic scenes. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150513

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