The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (hereafter referred to as "the Institute"), under the Ministry of Culture, is dedicated to promoting craft culture and supporting the craft industry. Its core responsibilities include craft research and innovation, talent cultivation, craft testing, publications and exhibitions, collection and value-added applications, local craft development, craft aesthetics education, industry guidance, brand development, product certification, and international cooperation.


Craft is deeply embedded in everyday life and centered around people. Taiwan boasts a rich and diverse craft culture that continuously evolves in response to a changing world. While the spirit of craftsmanship must be preserved, it must also adapt to modern times. The core values of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence remain unchanged. These values reflect the collective effort of the Taiwanese people, who have worked tirelessly to build a thriving and prosperous Taiwan.


The Institute’s philosophy is centered on "living"—advocating for the idea of "living crafts and crafts in living." This approach encourages the integration of craftsmanship into daily life, revitalizing its essence. It embodies the "SLOHAS" spirit of craftsmanship, promoting a joyous lifestyle that aligns with contemporary values through both simplicity and depth. “SLOHAS” — an acronym for Simplicity, Lifestyle, Originality, Health, Aesthetics, and Sustainability— seeks to uncover opportunities for creativity while offering individuals a healthy and aesthetically enriching way of life. In essence, the “SLOHAS” spirit represents a virtuous artistic cycle, progressing from S to S — from simplicity to sustainability.


By addressing key issues such as ESG, SDGs, and carbon neutrality, and through the concept of circular and sustainable "ESG for Craft," the institute aims to enhance public welfare and foster shared societal values through crafts. It aspires to beautify both the hearts of the people and Taiwan through craft, and to nurture cultural growth and a flourishing craft economy. Ultimately, it aims to present Taiwan's distinctive craft identity as a compelling representation of our nation to the world.

National Taiwan Craft Research And Development Institute

TURNED WOOD ΤΟΥ BLOCKS

WEDDING DRESS

VASE WITH THE JAROSLAV SEIFERT'S POEM

ARMCHAIR

BLACK POTTERY DINING SET

DINING TABLE PENDANT LIGHT

BOBBIN LACE

CLOTHING ACCESSORIZES

DRESS FOR BROKENHEARTED WOMAN

WALL LIGHT

WALL CLOCK

DRESS

CABBAGE PICKLING JAR

BUTTER DISH

HANDBAG AND BACKPACK

ADVENT MASKS

TRADITIONAL CHILD-SHAPED BAKING MOULD

BELTS

MEMORY CABINET

BUBBLE BOMBER

DEMIJOHNS

BLOUSE WITH BOBBIN LACE

JEWELLERY AND FASHION ACCESSORIES

CACTUS LIGHT  Floor lamp

SKIRT

PERSONAL RELIQUARIES

ВАСКРАСК

FOR YOU EGGSHELS

MADONNA Virgin Mary statue

PÁR Prague LIMITED  Leather shoes

BREAD-BAKING SET

WOOL JACKET

SET OF DECORATIVE BASKETS DIP

SET OF DINING PLATES

TOTE BAG

FOLK COSTUME WAISTCOATS

„CÍGR“ TOTE BAG

EMBROIDERED SHIRT

VASES

LAPTOP LEATHER SLEEVE

TRADITIONAL LEATHER ACCESSORIES

SOLITARY BEE HOUSE

BOWL

TABLE MIRROR

MOBILE PHONE LOCKERS

JEWELERY MADE OF DEER AND ROE ANTLERS

MIRROR

BROCADE FABRIC

The exhibition on view presents a selection of objects devoted to craftsmanship, folk art, and creativity within sustainable design, produced in recent years. Rooted in careful making and material knowledge, the works reflect traditions shaped by place, labor, and time.
Beautiful Work cultivates creative dialogue between masters of traditional craftsmanship and designers to develop new products and revitalize traditional craft practices for a new generation of makers. The long-term project approaches tradition as an evolving accumulation of the past, continually renewed to offer timely responses to the demands of a fast-paced world. Nearly forgotten processes are approached with humility toward historical legacy, alongside innovation and openness to contemporary culture, technology, and utility.
The showcase centers on collaboration between Czech designers and masters of traditional crafts, resulting in a series of applied objects that combine timeless, traditional forms and decorative elements with contemporary design sensibilities. This joint approach and exchange of ideas across generations demonstrate a shared philosophy in shaping objects that honor cultural heritage while meeting modern expectations.
Over the past three years, a large number of successful collaborations have grown into an active exchange that emphasizes cultural dialogue, mutual respect, and care for materials. Beyond the physical objects, the project proposes a way of thinking that values slowness, attention, and responsibility, principles that resonate strongly within Taiwanese traditions of craft, repair, and harmony with nature.
Beautiful Work invites visitors to encounter a facet of Czech visual culture through making, while also recognizing shared values across cultures. It offers a contemplative space to reflect on how craft shapes not only the objects that accompany daily life, but also the ethics, relationships, and pride embedded within them.

Opening Ceremony Recap

Krásná práce

Beautiful Work：Czech Crafts Exhibition

Material: oak wood
Technique: hand-carving and fire-scorching

The object is a ceramic baking mold used to make a ‘rodeník’ a child-shaped pastry baked from sweet, cake-like dough. This baked good in the shape of a child was brought or sent by an unmarried mother or her parents to the man believed to be the father. If the man cut into the ‘rodeník’ and ate a piece, he acknowledged paternity and publicly expressed his willingness to care for the child. If he wished to deny paternity, he would drive the messengers away and guard his doorstep to prevent the figure from being placed there; otherwise, he risked becoming a target of public ridicule. This custom was especially common in the Doudleby region and the Šumava Mountains.