《竹仔》Island of Bamboos

Bamboo—neither grass nor wood—has long been integral to life in Taiwan, prized for its unique materiality and resilience. Its transformation mirrors the broader arc of Taiwan’s traditional industries—a living guide written across generations.

For centuries, diverse communities have shaped Taiwan’s bamboo culture: Austronesians told origin myths of bamboo; Hakkas refined weaving techniques; Indigenous peoples integrated it into daily life; and Minnan settlers developed a basketry trade that reached global markets. Towns like Zhushan became bamboo strongholds, where living rooms doubled as workshops sustaining entire families.

Island of Bamboos traces this journey—from folk craft to modern industry—seeking renewed meaning and relevance for bamboo today.

The book’s design echoes the material itself: sewn binding mimics bamboo joints, gilded Summer Paper suggests its grain, and a bamboo-fiber linen cover pays tribute to its enduring beauty and cultural depth.