Thursday, August 27, 2009

A relic from Japanese times

This place seems to have no single official English name (and believe me, for a translator, situations like this are a perpetual source of headaches). But I've seen it called Lin Tien Coopery and Lin Tian Bucket Shop. Since the name could well be of Japanese origin, it could presumably also be Hayashida Barrel Shop.



I admire the owners of the shop because they have resisted the trend of modernization. Far too many traditional businesses in Taiwan have upgraded their appearance to look slick and modern. But this place retains its old-time charm, having made few changes from the time of their founding during the Japanese occupation.

Instead, they focus their energies on their products: hand-crafted buckets, barrels, tubs and dippers made of cedar. And with the high quality and fine craftsmanship, you'll get what you pay for: a standard sized bucket fetches about US$100.

The address is 108 Zhongshan N. Rd. Sec. 1, Taipei. It's kitty corner from MetrOasis and just up the street from the Happy Family Hostel.

It's located in the same Japanese-style brick building in which the shop was founded way back in 1928.



If you want to experience a touch of old Taipei, and are in the area, why not stop by?