News & Events

Artist in Residence

 

Mr. Chan Kwai Chau

 

Paper crafting has been an art form in China for centuries. First used to make lanterns for the Emperor Ming in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25AD - 220AD), paper crafting arrived in Hong Kong more than 150 years ago. A native of Qingyuan in Guangdong province, Mr. Chan came to Hong Kong in 1935 to apprentice at his uncle's paper crafts workshop - Chau Kee. He acquired essential skills such as cutting bamboo, drafting and gluing paper and witnessed the boom and bust of this unique art. At 92 years of age, Master Chan has been in the paper crafting business for more than 70 years.

Master Chan's masterpieces include paper lanterns of various sizes and shapes for the Mid-Autumn Festival and massive paper boats and paper ghosts for the Hungry Ghost Festival. Even pop star Kwok Fu Shing ordered huge goldfish lanterns from Chau Kee. Master Chan's artwork was featured in an exhibit at the Museum of History, where some of his artwork is still on display.

Paper crafting is an artform that is disappearing in Hong Kong due to the cheaper, mass-produced, factory-made products from China. Today's young people are mainly unaware of this traditional chinese craft; Master Chan is one of the few remaining craftsmen in Hong Kong. With no apprentice to take over from Master Chan when he eventually retires, he is truly a living treasure.

 

Venue:	Lobby @ Leo Lee Arts Centre
Date:	12 - 15 October 2010
Time:	10:00 - 14:30