From the most worshipped Chinese folk deities “Tin Hau” (天后) – Godness of the Sea, to Jesus in western faith, all gods have been made visible by the hands from the Kwok Family since 1983. The Kwok brothers are certainly not subtle about their creations in their Yau Ma Tei store, where they carve wood as if nobody's watching on the table outside the store against the wall, which is entirely covered with sparkling sculptures. Sometimes art is not only present in museums but also in unexpected corners. 

The fifth generation Kwok brothers are from the famous China’s woodcarving city – Dongyang (東陽) and the family has a long history of mastering the craftmanship there before they moved to Hong Kong. Taking things for granted is never their motto and they have worked every day restlessly to ensure the wood creations are of the highest quality through a series of steps. Not only do they make sculptures for local religious centers and festivals, but also spiritual tablets for household altars. It is no wonder that thousands of beautifully poised pieces by these two woodcarving masters are scattered across the city.

Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, this craft is still considered a sunset business in light of the rising technology. However, the Kwok brothers are luckier than other artisans in town, thanks to the son of one of them who is willing to take up the responsibility of learning and sustaining the skills. Perhaps it is also our duty to save the last pieces of this local craft as much as we can before they are all gone?