TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's cultural heritage community mourns the loss of Fu Ming-kuang (傅明光), a revered Hakka master craftsman who died Tuesday (Sept. 16). The Hakka Affairs Council (客委會), Taiwan's government agency overseeing Hakka cultural affairs, announced plans to award a posthumous commendation honoring his contributions. Fu was born in 1940 in Hsinchu City's Zhudong Township (新竹竹東) and achieved recognition as a "National Living Treasure" (國家重要保存技術及保存者) by the Ministry of Culture (文化部) in 2016.
Fu's remarkable journey into traditional craftsmanship commenced at age 10 under master Lin A-kun's (林阿坤) tutelage, following the prestigious Peng A-hai (彭阿海) school methodology. His extraordinary expertise in ancient construction techniques enhanced the elegance, functionality, and feng shui principles of Hakka architecture through masterful work on sanheyuan (三合院), traditional courtyard homes, siheyuan (四合院), quadrangle dwellings, and sacred temple structures. The Hakka Affairs Council praised his unwavering dedication to preserving these time-honored building methods while educating future generations.
The Hakka Affairs Council bestowed upon Fu the prestigious first-class "Hakka Affairs Professional Medal" (客家事務專業獎章) in 2022, recognizing his exceptional contributions. Fu received the 44th National Cultural Award (行政院文化獎), Taiwan's highest cultural honor, this year, solidifying his extraordinary legacy. The council emphasized his fundamental philosophy that authentic learning emerges only through hands-on practice, while cultural continuity depends entirely on knowledge transmission to succeeding generations.
The council recognized Fu's visionary aspiration to establish a national guild for traditional craftsmen, believing such an organization would enhance working conditions at heritage restoration sites and inspire younger generations to embrace cultural craftsmanship. Officials acknowledged his selfless devotion to preserving Hakka traditional architecture and artisanal techniques throughout his distinguished career. The council expressed hopes that Fu's enduring spirit will continue to inspire future craftsmen, living on through the ridges and tiles of structures yet to be built. ◼
