Artisanal products

crafted with tradition

from Taiwan

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Preserving techniques while innovating for today

Fabula Formosa offers an evolving collection of wide ranging products selected for their aesthetic, functionality and touch of whimsy. Many of the products are hand crafted by multi-generational artisans who proudly cling to age-old traditions while adapting to the needs of our time, much like the story of Taiwan itself.

 
Chin Tang Pottery Tea Cup (Crackled Bronze) Chin Tang Pottery Tea Cup (Crackled Bronze)
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Chin Tang Pottery Tea Cup (Crackled Bronze)
$48.00

Chin Tang Pottery is named after its location in a region known since the Qing Dynasty as the “home of a thousand ponds (“chin tang”). The master ceramicist, Mr. Hsia, has honed his craft for the past 40 years while experimenting with new firing and glazing techniques. These exquisite cups are part of a new metallic series that focuses on the shimmering crackled patterns throughout the cup.

Dimensions: 3” diam. x 1.625” H.

Glazed ceramic

Made in Taoyuan, Taiwan

Dishwasher safe (top rack) but hand wash is always preferable

FOR LOOKS

San He Coaster (Fortune) San He Coaster (Fortune)
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San He Coaster (Fortune)
$28.00

福 (“Fu”) is the word for good fortune. Along with wealth and health, good fortune is a key to happiness in Taiwanese culture (or anywhere for that matter!). It is an auspicious word that is frequently used to wish others good luck in all aspects of life.

These coasters are produced in a century old kiln that previously specialized in firing tiles for building materials in traditional homes. Since traditional construction is rare now, San He kiln focuses mainly on producing roof tiles for temple restoration projects. They have also creatively transitioned to producing home decor and tableware, such as these coasters. Not only are these coasters visually appealing, their material is heat resistant and absorbs condensation from icy glasses. They also work well as paperweights or purely as decoration.

Dimensions: 3.50” dia. x 0.375” D. 

Fired and glazed clay

Made in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Wipe clean with a damp cloth

Note: As with most handcrafted, artisanal and non-machine produced works, there may be a slight lack of uniformity and some minor imperfections.

FOR FUN

Large Canvas Laptop Tote (Cream with 3 Color Trim Options) Large Canvas Laptop Tote (Cream with 3 Color Trim Options) Large Canvas Laptop Tote (Cream with 3 Color Trim Options) Large Canvas Laptop Tote (Cream with 3 Color Trim Options)
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Large Canvas Laptop Tote (Cream with 3 Color Trim Options)
$68.00

Based in the historic southern city of Tainan, Yong Sheng has been producing quality canvas bags for 90 years. According to Mr. Tseng, the third generation owner, the business started with producing bags for the military during the Japanese colonial period then transitioned to tool bags and finally to the tote bags and laptop bags of today. These handmade bags are sturdy with a defined silhouette and well-constructed using a thick, tightly weaved cotton canvas that is custom produced for Yong Sheng in central Taiwan. Each bag has four interior pockets of which one is zippered, a sewn in loop for attaching keyrings and an exterior pocket perfect for quick access to a cell phone. Classic in style and utilitarian by nature, these durable bags are a universal fit for all ages and tastes.

Dimensions: 15.75” W. x 12.75” H. x 4.25” D. Strap length: 9.50” / Strap width: 1.50”

No. of interior pockets: 4 (3 open and 1 zippered)

No. of exterior pockets: 1

Other: fabric keyring loop

Cotton Canvas with brass buttons

Made in Tainan, Taiwan

Wipe clean with damp cloth or brush and air dry. Do not put in washing machine.

FOR FUNCTION

 

Fabulae


Taiwan has no shortage of mythologies, fables and folk tales. However, the stories we share here will be of the artisans who carry on the techniques they inherited from their parents, grandparents and, in some cases, even their great grandparents. Others will be of creators who are only beginning to form their own legacies. Tying both groups together is a simple love of craft and quality.

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Share the good fortune

Let our resident stone lion (石狮 or “shi shi”) deliver some good fortune to a lucky loved one. With a gift card, you can help write a chapter in that special someone’s fabula formosa.