【Introduction】

The Matsu Temple of Penghu is also known by various other names: Niangma Temple, Tianfei Temple or simply the Makung (temple of the mother). It is the earliest Matsu temple in Taiwan. The exact date of construction can no longer be established, but historical literature indicates that the temple existed before 1604 (the 32nd year of Wanli Emperor, Ming Dynasty). The existing Matsu Temple was built by Lanmu, who was commissioned by the Taixia Trade Guild in 1922 (the 11th year of Emperor Taisho). The temple consists of three halls: the front hall, the main hall and the Qingfeng Pavilion. It also has left and right wings. The two-story Qingfeng Pavilion, also called the Gongshan Mansion, was the meeting place of local intellectuals in Penghu. The temple faces south; from the front wall, the height of the temple gradually rises toward the backside. The rising and falling of the gable walls make for a spectacular exterior. In contrast to the simplistic wooden structure and color paintings of the Qingfeng Pavilion, the Matsu Temple of Penghu boasts a wealth of exquisite wooden sculptures inside its halls. The most representative works are the main hall’s six door panels, featuring flower and bird patterns. These works by the masters of Tangshan (Zhu Xigan, Huang Wenhua and others) show virtuous craftsmanship and rigorous composition. Among the color paintings, the golden-powder artworks on the main hall’s altar and its left and right framework are classic pieces. Those lofty, visionary works were created by Zhu Xigan from Tongshan. An inscription excavated during renovation features the words “Shen Yourong Orders Van Waerwijck and the Other Red-Headed Barbarians to Retreat.” The inscription not only provides sound evidence of the constantly tense relations between the Ming court and the Dutch but is also a precious historical artifact from the time of the Dutch invasion of Penghu.

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