In Yuanli, Miaoli, the century-old art of rush grass weaving once sustained local households and stood as one of Taiwan’s major export industries. But as industrialization swept in, the craft slowly declined, teetering on the edge of being lost. With aging masters and a shrinking pool of apprentices, the survival of this tradition seemed uncertain.

Today, however, a revival is underway. Local youth have joined hands with veteran artisans to breathe new life into the practice. Through the efforts of the Taiwan Yuan-li Handicraft Association and its brand Tshioh Rushcraft, the craft is finding fresh relevance. Markets, campus outreach, workshops, and design competitions are helping more people reconnect with this cultural heritage.

Young designers are stepping into the workshop as learners, absorbing traditional methods while experimenting with molds, and modern aesthetics. The resulting products balance beauty and practicality, carrying the warmth of handwoven tradition while fitting seamlessly into contemporary life.

Yuanli’s rush grass weaving is no longer just a relic of the past, but a living craft—woven with resilience, creativity, and the hope of a new generation.

 以下為中文對照

藺編進行式 — 在設計中延續手工的溫度

苗栗苑裡擁有百年歷史的藺草編織工藝，曾是當地婦女維持家計的重要技能與台灣重要的出口產業，卻隨著工業化逐漸沒落，面臨失傳危機。面對技藝傳承斷層與師傅高齡化問題，當地青年攜手工藝師展開復興行動。
「台灣藺草學會」與其品牌「台灣手藺」透過市集展售、校園推廣、工作坊與設計競賽等方式，讓更多人重新認識藺草文化。年輕設計師也投入其中，學習傳統工法，結合模具開發與現代審美，創造出兼具美感與實用性的藺草商品，拓展藺草的應用可能。藉由創新設計與文化再詮釋，讓藺草工藝不再只是傳統記憶，更成為走入現代生活的新風格。

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