A Study of Development of Traditional Tin ware in Taiwan

Abstract

As tin art is promoted in Taiwan in recent years, there are increasing young people beginning the development and making of household items of tin and applying them in wider aspect of contemporary life. Tin art thus gains attention and is studied in the academic field. Yet, the traditional tin ware firms in Taiwan for whom altar-top items have long been the primary merchandise are constantly threatened to cease existence, or, if already inherited, still not so expecting and confident in their future.

The main objective of this study is to help traditional cultures pass on and assist traditional tin ware firms in preserving, innovating and developing tin ware, so that they meet the needs of today’s consumers and are in the direction for future sustainable operation. The approach taken in this study is divided in four stages: the first stage is to understand the current status of the traditional tin ware industry in Taiwan and the existed academic materials on tin art, whereby to understand the problems that are facing traditional tin ware industry and the field yet to be explored. The second stage is to understand and record, from the literature review and remakes made by the firms, the cultural contents and applied development of traditional tin ware, whereby to establish a mechanism for aesthetic appreciation of traditional tin ware as a paradigm for reference by future research. The third stage is to employ field survey, in-depth interview and case study to analyze and explore in the creative activities in the cases under study, for example, in the case of developing marketing, how the firm of interest applied new strategies and innovative design methods step by step to draw up an operation plan that suits the future for the tin art industry and further to shape new business models and marketing methods. The fourth stage is to testify, by questionnaire survey and data analysis in quantified research, whether the innovative activities by the firm of interest agreed with the consumers.

We discovered in the results of the case study that the decline of Taiwan’s traditional tin ware industry is attributed primarily to the conservative mentality of these firms who possess the specialty and knowledge. Nondisclosure of techniques to outsiders, non-open teaching that keeps the know-hows within the family, and the lack of injection of external resources and development of new products prevent interest and sense of value from being aroused to consumers for traditional tin products. Nevertheless, the firm of interest, by using its advantages and ability of innovation, makes happen the scheme of customizing and jointly creating items, to reshape and embody the status of tin ware in consumers’ mind and their desire for it. The firm of interest passes on the skills and art in a systematic and open manner, which draws the commitment from more people and allows Taiwan’s tin art to develop diversely.

Finally, we make recommendations as the reference for the traditional tin ware industry in future business as well as for subsequent researchers in their studies.