Heart Sculpture Dwelling

Heart Sculpture Dwelling, located in Xiping Village, Yuanli Township, is a slate house near the sea. It was the studio and residence where the late artist Chen Jionghui created his works during his lifetime. He was awarded the Heritage Award by the Council for Cultural Affairs (now Ministry of Culture), Executive Yuan. In 1973, he established the 'Shan-di-men Sculpture Society'. With sharp knives and heavy wooden mallets, he brought out the raw life from wood. Every stroke of Chen Jionghui's chisel revealed the charm of traditional indigenous art. The stone carvings at the entrance of Heart Sculpture Dwelling fully express a rustic, wild charm. Large stones form a wall depicting two hundred-pacer snakes, also showcasing the essence of primitive art. Inside the main gate, the slate pillars on the right, the primitive pavilion on the left, and walls adorned with ancient wooden mortars, among other garden features, add a touch of antique charm to Heart Sculpture Dwelling. The interior houses an exhibition of works by Chen Jionghui and his apprentices. His works were deeply influenced by the Paiwan and Rukai cultures, primarily using human figures, snakes, deer, and pigs as subjects. His carving techniques and artistic forms are unique, moving beyond practical purposes to emphasize artistic qualities, making them well worth exploring.