Lines of Possibility: Taiwanese Rush Weaving

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, the exhibition Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush
Weaving will feature at London Craft Week 2021, representing Taiwanese
craftsmanship at the festival. From 30^th September to 10^th
October, craft lovers will be able to enjoy the beauty of Taiwanese rush
weaving at London’s iconic gallery @oxo, gaining an insight into the production
of rush products with the exhibition’s on-site workshops.

Focusing on the uniquely Taiwanese cyperus malacceni plant and
the techniques used by Taiwan’s craftspeople to weave it, Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush Weaving stands as an important
exhibition in its introduction and promotion of traditional Taiwanese crafts.

Since 2017, the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, has sponsored the
participation of Taiwanese craft at London Craft Week – making this the fifth
consecutive year that original Taiwanese creativity has been on display to UK
audiences. Taiwan’s participation at London Craft Week is an opportunity to introduce
the island nation’s craftsmanship. Created in collaboration with Taiwan Yuan-Li
Handiwork Association, Lines of Possibilities:
Taiwanese Rush Weaving focuses on traditional Taiwanese rush weaving, with
attendees discovering the craft’s charm and magic through its three centuries
of history.

Taiwan’s particular strain of cyperus malacceni is unique to the
island. Famous for its triangular shape and firm texture, the plant provides
greater variety in pattern design, giving rush-woven products a distinctive
look and a higher quality.

Using historical documents and visual materials, the exhibition
traces the history of the Taiwanese rush weaving industry, detailing the
progression of weaving techniques, patterns and tools. Not only will attendees
be able to discover the full history of rush weaving in Taiwan, but also the
various design and production concepts that permeate the craft. From home décor
to fashion, over twenty products woven from cyperus malacceni will also be on
display, bringing the beauty of Taiwanese rush weaving to life.

Aspiring to reach to more people than ever post-pandemic, Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese Rush
Weaving will be a hybrid exhibition, featuring both an online viewing room
and physical exhibition site with live events. The online viewing room (https://www.linesofpossibilities.com) presents a short documentary on how the rush weaving industry
in Taiwan has developed from the small town of Yuanli, Miaoli, drawing on the
personal experiences of the town’s craftspeople.

Lines of Possibilities: Taiwanese
Rush Weaving is an interactive exhibition,
giving participants the opportunity to weave their own products following
instruction at on-site workshops. Participants will learn the basics of rush
weaving, feeling the rush plant’s firm texture and pleasant scent in the
process. Two workshops will be available to the general public on 2^nd
and 9^th October between 14:00 and 15:00, with a press-only session
commencing on 30^th September at 15:30.