Replies

1. 
   brianmexico | Jul 03, 2005 03:32am | #1

   Malcolm,

   On a recent trip taiwan I also wanted to find something out about woodworking in the area and/or find some nice tools. All atempts were virtually fruitless. What I did find out is that almost all the fine wooden furniture and sculpture that you see everwhere is imported from china where they have cheap labour and bountiful hardwood. I found a 12 foot high carved tiger that I really liked, it was made of a wood that looked a lot like rosewood and the guy at the shop told me it weighed about 4 metric tons and that there are craftsmen in china that spend years on a single piece. This one was worth $75,000 US dollars. I don't think my wife would have understood taking a mortgage out on the house for that one. Plus I would have had to remodel the house so it would fit. Maybe after I win the lottery?? If you find anything interesting let us all know.

   Brian

1. 
   macalex | Jul 03, 2005 04:34am | #2

   Thanks Brian

   I know that craft woodwork does occur. There's some really smart shop fitting, and down the China Cafe end of Petalling Street in Chinatown in KL there's an undertaker with a shop house on the street that has some interesting work on display. Language is a problem - I have some Bahasa Malaysia, but enough to ask questions, not to understand the answers.New Zealand  |  New Thinking0.06% of the world's people are Kiwis

2. 
   jackiechan | Jul 03, 2005 07:42am | #3

   M',

   This won't help for your July trip, but the International Furniture Fair in Kuala Lumpur will be back in March of 2006 - you might try scheduling a trip to coincide with it.  The link below leads to their web site - it should be fully operational shortly.

   http://www.miff.com.my/

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

1. 
   macalex | Jul 03, 2005 08:59am | #4

   Thanks Dan

   I will be back in KL in November, and maybe in Singapore for a weekend (!) in September, but no plans yet for 06.

   Will keep your link in mind.New Zealand  |  New Thinking0.06% of the world's people are Kiwis

1. 
   jackiechan | Jul 03, 2005 03:03pm | #5

   M',

   Here's a listing with links to all of the International Furniture Fair events.  They also go to Singapore among numerous other countries.

   http://www.365f.com/enzl/zl.aspDan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.