A Portrait of Preservation: The Hands and Face of Hong Kong’s Mahjong Legacy
The Language of Hands. In the heart of Kowloon, the skilled hands of a Biu Kee Mahjong artisan tell a story of dedication and tradition. Every wrinkle is a testament to the decades spent preserving Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage, one hand-carved mahjong tile at a time. This is the quiet power of human connection and craft, a moment of pure humanist photography captured in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong.
The Language of Hands.
Here, near Temple Street, dedicated artisans like Master Cheung of Biu Kee Mahjong (標記麻雀) continue to preserve this cultural legacy. Each tile is painstakingly crafted, embodying the essence of this game deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Hong Kong. From cutting and polishing to the delicate art of carving and coloring, it’s a meticulous process that has been recognized as Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage since 2014.
It’s a powerful reminder of the skill and passion being passed down through generations. Have you ever seen a set of these exquisite hand-carved mahjong tiles up close?
In the heart of Kowloon, the skilled hands of a Biu Kee Mahjong artisan tell a story of dedication and tradition. Every wrinkle is a testament to the decades spent preserving Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage, one hand-carved mahjong tile at a time. This is the quiet power of human connection and craft, a moment of pure humanist photography captured in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong.
(shot on Olympus OMD-EM10)
This is more than just a game; it’s a piece of living, breathing history captured in the heart of Kowloon, near Temple Street. Through the lens of documentary and humanist photography, we meet the dedicated artisan of Biu Kee Mahjong (標記麻雀), one of the last masters preserving the tradition of hand-carved mahjong tiles.
The close-up of the hands reveals a lifetime of unwavering craftsmanship—each wrinkle a map of the meticulous process of cutting, polishing, carving, and coloring. The portrait shows the quiet dignity and passion of a master committed to passing down Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage.
Mahjong, deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Hong Kong, is kept alive by this commitment. It’s a powerful moment of street photography, finding profound human stories amidst the bustling city.
Swipe to see the master at work and the tiles that carry his legacy. What stories do you see in his hands?
(shot on iPhone)
Find these photos also on Instagram
Fisherman à Victoria Harbour
Experience the poetic street photography of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, captured in a moment of quiet anticipation. This image, a quintessential humanist street scene, focuses on a solitary fisherman, a classic subject in the tradition of masters like Robert Doisneau and Sabine Weiss. The composition embodies a minimalist approach, drawing the eye to the human element against the vast, dramatic backdrop of the approaching weather.
Experience the poetic street photography of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, captured in a moment of quiet anticipation. This image, a quintessential humanist street scene, focuses on a solitary fisherperson, a classic subject in the tradition of masters like Robert Doisneau and Sabine Weiss. The composition embodies a minimalist approach, drawing the eye to the human element against the vast, dramatic backdrop of the approaching weather.
This particular scene, a poignant pictorialist portrait of everyday life, was taken just as the fisherman was packing up their gear, minutes before the arrival of Typhoon Ragasa. It’s more than a photograph; it’s a narrative of resilience and the subtle beauty found in the mundane.
We invite you to explore this fine art photography piece and compare the two available versions of this Hong Kong street scene. Which interpretation of this powerful, yet poetic, moment resonates most with your appreciation for minimalist photography?
Find these photos also on Instagram
Wan Chai Market: In Search of the Human and the Poetic in the Chaos
In the vibrant Wan Chai Market, you’ll find a classic Hong Kong wet market with bustling stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and meat downstairs. The surrounding streets are a dynamic mix of traditional shops and lively street life, encapsulating the unique energy where old meets new in the neighborhood.
Navigating the chaos of the Wan Chai Market is the ultimate test for a street photographer. It's a constant challenge to find focus and composition where every stall and alleyway offers a new story.
In the vibrant Wan Chai Market, you’ll find a classic Hong Kong wet market with bustling stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and meat downstairs. The surrounding streets are a dynamic mix of traditional shops and lively street life, encapsulating the unique energy where old meets new in the neighborhood.
Navigating the chaos of the Wan Chai Market is the ultimate test for a street photographer. It's a constant challenge to find focus and composition where every stall and alleyway offers a new story.
My approach to street photography is in the tradition of humanist photography, reminiscent of masters like Robert Doisneau or Sabine Weiss. My goal is to cut through the market's noise and energy to isolate those fleeting, human moments, those poetic scenes that unfold amidst the produce, the shouts of vendors, and the flow of daily life.
Although my studio work focuses on pictorialist photography and minimalist still lifes, this quest for the essential is present even in the hustle of the street. It is about capturing the light, the emotion, and the moment with an economy of means, transforming chaos into a simple and strong composition. It is a demanding, yet incredibly rewarding process.
Here are 20 scenes I managed to frame amidst the beautiful chaos. Which one catches your eye ?
Find these photos also on Instagram
