A Portrait of Preservation: The Hands and Face of Hong Kong’s Mahjong Legacy
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)
