Shilin Pocketknife

The Central Research Institute of Governor-General’s Office of Taiwan is an important testimony to the Japanese government’s emphasis on industrialization during the colonization of Taiwan. The Industrial Department analyzed and documented the chemical and mineral composition of Taiwan’s basic industries at the time, one of which was the Shilin poketknife. In the first report on August 1922 from the Ministry of Industry, MURAI Hachizo mapped a simple illustration of the Shilin pocketknife. The body of the knife was like an eggplant, and its blade was like bamboo leaves which were all handmade. The knife came in all kinds of different sizes from small to big. KUO He from Shilin is among one of the most famous makers. In 1924 he participated in the Japan International Exposition and won the award for the best product and later in 1926 he was awarded the gold medal.

Photo by LU Guo-Way
objectC-LABthe Central Research Institute of the Governor-General's Office
DATE2019.12.09