Taipei Story House Presents Early Taiwan LifeStyle

Taipei Story House is situated in the Fine Arts Park Area.
It was built in 1914
and the only English Tudor style heritage building in Taiwan,
and also the only heritage site
in the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition.

The architecture, garden, interior,
and over 700 antique artifacts contribute to reconstruct
fashionable Taiwan lifestyle in the early 1900's.

In the hallway, there are 2 vase stands,
which were used by the original heritage site owner
Mr. Chen Chao-chun.

(Interview)
This vase stand is a mix of Cantonese and Western style furniture
with carved plum flower patterns,
which are related to the theme of
2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition.

In the living room, there are fireplace, phonograph,
French style sofa, and also a YAMAHA piano,
which is only owned by wealthy Taiwan families.

(Interview)
This YAMAHA piano is produced and imported from Japan in 1915.
It is almost as old as Taipei Story House.

Owner's photos are placed on the top of the YAMAHA piano,
and an oil painting by Mr. Lee Mei-shu is hung on the wall.

Let's go up stairs to the 2nd floor.

In the study room, there is a Faux French Rococo Style Desk,
where the owner was able to read his favorite books.
This typewriter, called "Folding Corona Typewriter",
was very easy to carry.
This old clock, manufactured by SEIKOSHA,
was imported from Japan.
This is a Model of TakasagoMaru Hospital Ship.
This is a radio, which is made in USA around 1920.

In the bed room, the Cast Iron Bed
is modified from the conventional Chinese red bed
to mimic the western cast iron bed.
Beside the bed, this Foot Stand
combines cross stitch with the Art Nouveau style of sculpture.
Imported from Xiamen, the dresser is made of black sandalwood
with numerous in lays of different patterns.
On the table, there is a Hookah Set, which is also called a water-pipe.
It was a smoking tool for ladies.
Imported in the early 20th Century,
this Oil Lamp with an additional glass shade
was only seen in rich families.

The exhibition of Taipei Story House
shows a very unique period in Taiwan history
when Chinese, Japanese and Western cultures converge,
reflecting international awareness,
as well as economic and cultural strength of Taiwan at that time.

Reported by KiyoshiStudio in Taipei.