Hong Kong Stories -- Master in the House
A Timbre Through the Centuries
16/01/2024
內容
CONTENT
16/01/2024
Photo Album
The creation of a handcrafted violin involves dozens of meticulous steps. In Hong Kong, only a few master craftsmen possess the skill to construct such instruments. The protagonist of this episode, Master Wong Wai-kuen, has over thirty years of experience in violin making, is one of the few luthiers in Hong Kong who can handcraft violins. In recent years, he has been passionately researching and attempting to replicate the Italian antique violin, the 1750 Stradivarius, due to its unique and captivating sound. Despite being over three centuries old, this violin continues to allure modern-day performers. Besides patterning the appearance, Master Wong is keen to recreate its enchanting sound.
Master Wong Wai-kuen's daughter, Wong Pui-ying, is a talented violinist, winning numerous awards both locally and internationally. Since childhood, she has played on violins crafted by her father. With the support of a foundation dedicated to the development of youth in music, she had the privilege of borrowing an antique violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1705, which further elevated her performance skills. This provided Master Wong with an opportunity to closely study the structure and sound of the antique violin, enhancing his craftsmanship. His handcrafted violins have been praised by musicians. He also participates in international violin exhibitions, showcasing Hong Kong-made violins to a wider audience.
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2024.01.16 TUE 9:30pm |
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集數
EPISODES
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A Man of Time
The invention of watchmaking technology enabled humans to measure time, but relying on watchmakers is essential for punctuality. Sego Leung, a dedicated timekeeper, developed a passion for watches from his first childhood timepiece. The mesmerizing experience of witnessing the tiny watch work tirelessly during a silent midnight sparked his future career. After graduating from secondary school, he pursued the study of timepieces and received advanced training in Switzerland. Focusing on the art of watchmaking, Sego became one of the few local watchmakers who handcraft every component of a watch.
The construction and repair of watches involve meticulous and intricate processes. Technological advancements have transformed the role of watches, yet the craft of watchmaking faces challenges, including succession and decline. Sego laments these changes and dedicates his spare time to teaching at vocational training classes and workshops. His goal is to act as a crucial gear, passing on skills and passion to the next generation. By choosing and persisting in his craft, he not only preserves a traditional art form but also helps safeguard our time and memories.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.03.19 TUE 9:30pm
19/03/2024Watch -
Antique Auto Healer
In the 1970s and 80s, Hong Kong's economy skyrocketed. One product that gained popularity during that era was the automobile, leading to the flourishing automobile repair industry. Against this backdrop, Master Lau Chi-wai, known as the Brainiac Mechanic, embarked on his journey as an automobile mechanic.
However, his journey as a mechanic was far from ordinary or smooth. In his twenties, he was introduced to kart racing by a friend. Every weekend, he would be found at the racetrack, fixing and fine-tuning karts. The money he earned from this side gig funded his own participation in races. These dual-role days not only earned him invaluable experience but also a prestigious opportunity to serve as a mechanic for official racing teams during on-road competitions.
Unfortunately, after 2000, cars became predominantly electronic, relying heavily on specialised computers for repairs. This shift posed a significant setback for Master Lau.
However, during this time, a car owner he had met during his racing days approached him to repair his classic car. Since classic cars primarily rely on mechanical systems, it provided Master Lau with the perfect opportunity to apply the skills and expertise he had acquired over the years on the racetrack. Unexpectedly, he gradually earned the reputation as the go-to "Master" for classic car owners, breathing new life into their beloved vehicles with his magical touch.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.03.12 TUE 9:30pm
12/03/2024Watch -
Artistry heritage of rattan weaving
In the 1960s and 70s, Hong Kong thrived in the rattan craft industry. Rattan products were lightweight, affordable, and popular household items, from chairs to baskets to small decorative pieces.
This episode introduces Master Chan San-kuen, a seasoned rattan businessman whose family has been involved in the craft since his grandfather's generation. Under his father's tutelage, Chan took over the business. Now in his seventies, he has dedicated over half a century to rattan artistry, emphasizing the significance of handwoven designs that add charm to the pieces. Though rattan might appear fragile, it's resilient, becoming more radiant over time.
Post-financial crisis, the rattan industry faced challenges due to rising labor costs and increasing shop rents, leading to a decline. Few rattan shops remain, and San-kuen laments the younger generation's reluctance to join the trade, hoping the craft doesn't vanish.
Yet, there's hope in two young enthusiasts, Cecilia and Barnard. With a deep appreciation for traditional crafts, they're on a mission to rediscover and revive rattan weaving techniques. They travel extensively, eager to learn and bring rattan craft back to Hong Kong for all to enjoy.
Their recent interaction with Master Chan sheds light on weaving techniques and experiences, ensuring that the art of rattan shines once again.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.03.5 TUE 9:30pm
05/03/2024Watch -
The New Jade Age
Sublime and elegant, jade artifacts are infused with auspicious symbolism. In traditional Chinese culture, they serve not only as essential utensils but also as widely used as accessories and collectibles. However, an uncut gem does not sparkle. The true beauty of fine jade artifacts can only be revealed through the meticulous craftsmanship of skilled artisans. In the 1970s and 80s, Hong Kong was a distribution hub of jade artifacts. But as times changed, these artifacts gradually faded out, and the craft of jadeite carving is now primarily done by machines.
Tam Chow-sang is one of the few local craftsmen who persist in hand-carving jade artifacts. Since becoming an apprentice at the age of 13, he has dedicated over four decades to mastering the carving of flowers and plants. From selecting the raw jade stone to conceptualizing the final product, cutting, carving, grinding and polishing, each tiny jade artifact must undergo more than a dozen steps. Adhering to the natural appearance of the material in each cut showcases the craftsman's ingenuity. However, his years of hard work nearly went to waste due to a serious illness. Fortunately, his son Eddy, who specialized in product design, couldn't bear to see his father's skills lost. He decided to learn his father's trade and infuse modernity into this traditional craft. Upon recovery, Master Tam also resumed his artistic creations. Together, the father-and-son team is blazing a new trail for the art of jade carving.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.02.27 TUE 9:30pm
27/02/2024Watch -
Wooden Representations of Religious Figures
The Chinese have a long history of worshipping religious figures, and each hand-made statue is the result of meticulous work by an artisan. This extraordinary skill is now listed as intangible cultural heritage in Hong Kong. Our protagonist, Master Siu Ping-keung, possesses over half a century of experience in engraving and restoring religious figures. With his exquisite wood carving techniques, he infuses the logs with the shape, aura, and soul of various religious figures. His vivid creations can be found in temples throughout Hong Kong.
The local industry of crafting wooden religious figures reached its peak in the 1960s. As technology advances, an increasing number of new statues are now made by machines, resulting in a decline in the number of artisans. Master Siu plans to document his knowledge and experience in a book to provide people with in-depth understanding of this remarkable craft. In addition to creating new statues, there are also numerous restoration projects. Master Siu has developed his unique maintenance and gold coating techniques, and he has entrusted these tasks to his son, Ah Siu, with the hope of passing on his skills.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.02.20 TUE 9:30pm
20/02/2024Watch -
Transition of the Goldsmithing Industry
Gold have historically symbolized wealth and power. Yet, the goldsmiths, artisans responsible for creating these exquisite pieces, are often colloquially referred to in a less prestigious term - "hammer guys".
Before the widespread adoption of technology in jewellery production, all gold pieces were handcrafted. Mastery in this field demanded a commitment of five years, even longer than earning a university degree.
Goldsmithing is a profession that requires relentless practice and dedication. However, in Hong Kong, the compensation goldsmiths receive often does not correspond to their exquisite skills. With a dwindling influx of new talent, the industry is waning.
Master Yu Yiu-hing has been in the goldsmithing industry for over half a century. He began as an apprentice in his teens and daringly started his own business before turning thirty, progressing from an artisan to a workshop owner. The jewellery produced in his workshop is custom-made, making each piece unique, with clientele from all over the world. Now in his seventies, he has no thoughts of retiring. His son, Warren, left a stable banking job seven years ago, ambitiously aiming to continue his father's legacy. Yet, as years passed, Warren reflects on the challenges of this hereditary endeavour.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.02.13 TUE 9:30pm
13/02/2024Watch -
Two Fifth of the Learning
Solid wood furniture embodies the age of the tree itself. Crafted by the deft hands of a carpenter into furniture, these pieces accompany their new owners, accumulating their value for future generations. The furniture made by the hands of artisans becomes a beautiful medium for people to connect with nature.
Before becoming a carpenter, Ah Sing was a commercial photographer with over a decade of experience. He transitioned into carpentry in 2014, essentially making a mid-career switch. He underwent only two weeks of training in solid wood furniture making. After grasping the basic concepts, he learned the use of tools and machinery operations on his own. This situation led him to break away from tradition and develop his unique personal style.
He loves cats, which is reflected in the feline-shaped legs of many of his creations. He favors joinery techniques, minimizing the use of metal components, believing they compromise the integrity of the wood. He has a penchant for rounding the edges of his works and encourages visitors to touch his pieces, with signs reading "please touch and feel my works," urging attendees to truly feel them. His passion for wood and attention to detail lend his pieces a solid, gentle charm.
He speaks of the path of mastering a craft as a five-part story: Belief, Doubt, Enlightenment, Understanding, and Expression. Eventually, one can establish their own unique style. He describes himself as being in the second phase, with a long journey ahead. His dream is simply to continue doing what he loves...
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.02.6 TUE 9:30pm
06/02/2024Watch -
The Colour Remains
As night falls, neon signs used to illuminate the streets, creating a familiar cityscape that now exists only in memory. Hong Kong's neon industry flourished during the 1960s and 70s, with neon signs adorning the bustling roads and streets as a symbol of the city's prosperity. However, in the 1990s, factories moved to the Mainland, and affordable LED lights began to dominate the market. Coupled with stricter government regulations on signage, the neon industry gradually declined over the span of 20 years, with few newcomers entering the field.
Jive Lau, born in the 1980s, has over a decade of design experience. While he cannot pinpoint the exact moment when he became fascinated with neon lights, he dedicated himself to the craft by pursuing apprenticeships in Taiwan and studying books from overseas, despite holding a full-time job. In 2020, amidst the height of the pandemic, Jive made a bold decision to swim against the tide and immerse himself in the declining neon industry.
Combining traditional techniques with his own aesthetic sensibilities, Jive strives to promote and preserve neon arts in unique ways. He hopes that through his dedication and hard work, he can contribute to propelling Hong Kong's neon art to new heights.
Steaming hot Hong Kong-style bread is among Hongkongers' top choices for breakfast. The buns, priced at just around ten dollars, may not be world-class gourmet items, but the time and effort involved in creating their spongy, delicate texture, rich aroma, and filling content without the use of preservatives are often overlooked.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.01.30 TUE 9:30pm
30/01/2024Watch -
Beyond the Dough
Steaming hot Hong Kong-style bread is among Hongkongers' top choices for breakfast. The buns, priced at just around ten dollars, may not be world-class gourmet items, but the time and effort involved in creating their spongy, delicate texture, rich aroma, and filling content without the use of preservatives are often overlooked.
Jerry Man, who started as an apprentice in his teenage years, has accumulated 20 years of experience in the industry. A few years ago, he learned that a bakery in a housing estate was about to close down. Feeling saddened and concerned that Hong Kong-style breads might one day disappear, he made the decision to open a new bakery at the same location, where he could apply his experience and ideas. The ingredients for the bread are simple, but to produce high-quality products, Jerry pays attention to the finest details, such as fermentation, time, texture, and seasonings used in the fillings. He also hires experienced bakers to enhance traditional products, such as the "dark malt raisin bun without a tray." His goal is for people to rediscover the value of Hong Kong-style bread through his craftsmanship and creativity.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.01.23 TUE 9:30pm
23/01/2024Watch -
A Timbre Through the Centuries
The creation of a handcrafted violin involves dozens of meticulous steps. In Hong Kong, only a few master craftsmen possess the skill to construct such instruments. The protagonist of this episode, Master Wong Wai-kuen, has over thirty years of experience in violin making, is one of the few luthiers in Hong Kong who can handcraft violins. In recent years, he has been passionately researching and attempting to replicate the Italian antique violin, the 1750 Stradivarius, due to its unique and captivating sound. Despite being over three centuries old, this violin continues to allure modern-day performers. Besides patterning the appearance, Master Wong is keen to recreate its enchanting sound.
Master Wong Wai-kuen's daughter, Wong Pui-ying, is a talented violinist, winning numerous awards both locally and internationally. Since childhood, she has played on violins crafted by her father. With the support of a foundation dedicated to the development of youth in music, she had the privilege of borrowing an antique violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1705, which further elevated her performance skills. This provided Master Wong with an opportunity to closely study the structure and sound of the antique violin, enhancing his craftsmanship. His handcrafted violins have been praised by musicians. He also participates in international violin exhibitions, showcasing Hong Kong-made violins to a wider audience.
Bilingual:
English / Cantonese (TV Version)
Time:
(First run)
2024.01.16 TUE 9:30pm
16/01/2024Watch
