New Life of Glass

Hsinchu City is located in northern Taiwan and is rich in silica sand, a raw material for glass, as well as natural gas. In 1939, due to military and medical research needs, Japan established Taiwan’s first company producing high-quality glass products in Hsinchu. With easy access to raw materials and skilled glass-making artisans, Hsinchu gradually became a hub for glass factories.

By 1950, the industry primarily produced bottles, glass tubes, light bulbs, lampshades, and household glassware. During its peak from the 1960s to the 1970s, decorative items, lighting fixtures, vases, and Christmas ornaments dominated production, creating approximately one-third of Hsinchu City’s employment opportunities. However, due to the 1980s oil crisis and other societal changes, the Hsinchu glass industry faced challenges and began to decline.

In 1991, Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau designated the glass industry as a local cultural industry. With support from both national and local efforts, glass art was promoted, attracting many artists and enthusiasts to engage in glass craftsmanship and artistic creation. The Hsinchu City Government established the Hsinchu Glass Craft Museum, organized the Zhubei International Glass Art Festival, and launched the Golden Glass Award, steering the glass industry toward cultural and artistic development, thereby revitalizing Hsinchu’s glass heritage.